Hugh L. Carey, 1919-2011 RIP

By Jeff Cleary

On Sunday, August 7th, 2011 the United States lost a distinguished citizen. Hugh L. Carey was a statesman, a valiant warrior and a gentleman.

Many stories have talked of his congressional career, his time as New York's 51st chief executive, how he saved New York from financial collapse and about his personal life.

To me Governor Carey was an excellent example of what a public servant should be. I was honored to know him and to be in his company on many occasions. He was a man of great wit and Irish charm, a wonderful story teller and a kind soul.

In my many encounters with him, mostly in some upscale watering holes, he was always inquisitive about the young "politicos" around him. "What are you working on?" or "How is that project going?" he would say. It was fascinating to me to see how much he still cared about the workings of state government at all levels more than 15 years after he left office. Often he would tell a story that let you know what his thoughts on the matter were. As a mid-level government employee in his 30s it was hard not to be convinced by Governor Carey's implied advice. I saw Governor Carey treat many young people in the state government in much the same way.

I am honored to have known him and for the time I spent in his presence. I am also honored that he listened to what I had to say and he took an interest in my work.

While many others knew him much better than I did, He made a lasting impression on me. I will always be grateful for his kindness, his advice, the great stories and my many yet all too brief encounters with this good man.