Joseph D. Carey Jr.

Joseph D. Carey, Jr., age 76, of East Hartford and Ormond Beach FL, beloved husband of the late Elaine (Moreau) Carey, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 29, 2021. Joe was born in Hartford on November 21, 1945, the son of the late Joseph D. Carey, Sr. and Marie Silver. Joe grew up in Wethersfield, graduating in 1963 from Wethersfield High School. After high school, he joined the U.S. Army, serving in Germany during the Vietnam War. Joseph was honorably discharged from the Army and always remained a proud veteran. Upon his return from the service, Joe joined the City of Hartford Police Department, where he devoted 10 years of service.

Following his passion for construction, he started J.D.C. Enterprises, Inc. of Glastonbury, Bloomfield, Newington and finally South Windsor. He was extremely proud of being the owner, operator and President of J.D.C. Enterprises, Inc. for over 45 years. Joe was a true tradesman, when it came to using his hands, there was nothing he could not fix, always referred to as a ‘joe-of-all trades’. In his spare time, Joe enjoyed classic cars and motorcycles, of which he loved to add to his collection.

Everyone who knew Joe will remember him for his generous contributions to the small business community and his endless donations to various charities throughout his life. He always felt fortunate enough to be able to help others. Joe enjoyed spending time with his family, friends, and especially his faithful dogs. His favorite holiday was Christmas and he loved to dress up as Santa for the kids and was always seen wearing his Santa hat. Throughout his life and career, Joe met and made many lasting friendships. He loved the feeling of meeting new people and sharing stories wherever he went. Friends will remember Joe’s great sense of humor, whenever you asked him how he was doing, his response was “I’m still vertical.”

A wonderful family man, Joe will be missed by his four children, Joseph D. Carey, III and his partner Jennifer Kraft of Wethersfield, Alanna R. Carey of East Hartford, Johanna D. Carey-Lang and her husband Aaron of East Hartford and Charlton Carey and his partner Jordyn Cooney of South Windsor; his cherished grandchildren, Jesse, Joseph, IV “Danny”, Jordyn, Christopher, Grace, Danielle, Charlie, DonnaAnn Taryn, Hartlyn, and Charlton. Sadly, after his passing he became a great-grandfather and will watch over his beautiful Meadow from the Heavens. Joe also leaves behind his longtime friend, Augie Phillips, who he thought of as his firstborn. In addition, he is survived by his half-siblings, Dean Silver and Kimberly Silver, along with several nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Along with his loving wife of 41 years and his parents, Joe was predeceased by his sisters, Joan Harvey and Donna Witherell and his stepmother, Gertrude Carey.

The family will receive relatives and friends on Sunday, December 19, from 2 to 5 p.m. at the D’Esopo Funeral Chapel, 277 folly Brook Boulevard, Wethersfield. A Prayer Service will be held on Monday, December 20, at 12 noon at the funeral home. Masks are required in the funeral home. Burial with military honors will follow in Village Cemetery in Old Wethersfield.

Even in passing, Joe would want you to pay it forward. Memorial donations in his name may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to the ASPCA at aspca.org/donate. For online expressions of sympathy to the family, please visit www.desopofuneralchapel.com.