Robert J. Carey

Robert Jude Carey, “Grateful Bob” was aptly named for his Irish grandfather and for Saint Jude, the patron Saint of Hope, who does not forget the difficulties of those who struggle and who intercedes in our daily challenges.

Born the third of eight children to Irish immigrants, Bob was raised in Boscawen, New Hampshire and graduated from Merrimack Valley High School, class of 1973. His parents, Danny & Bridget ‘Betty’ Carey, started Carey’s Market in 1953, which became not only Bob’s heartbeat, but a lifeline in our community for generations. Bob became the owner of Carey’s Market after his parents retired from the store, until its closing. Bob was off to his next adventure and created a new company called Grateful Yardwork, which he owned and operated for years, servicing many happy commercial and residential customers.

Those in Bob’s presence were drawn to his brilliant warmth, his kind heart and generous spirit. His openness to welcome strangers, mentor those around him, and raise them up to believe that they are irreplaceable, is his true legacy. His unwavering faith in all that we cannot see nor touch, graced Bob with a view into the universe that will not be replicated. Moved by his love of all people and creatures, he sought strength through his sobriety, in his family and friends, in all forms of nature, from his fanatical devotion to the Grateful Dead, and harnessed the positive light of any moment or situation.  

Thirty-three years sober, Bob found peace with the world. His faith and confidence was shared with countless others who struggled as he did. His guidance and kindred sense of belonging helped others to overcome their challenges, finding clarity and purpose. May his commitment to all who have learned from him serve as their inspiration moving forward.

Bob walked into splintered sunlight on April 13, 2023, at the age of 67. May the Rainmakers of the Sky cascade his light upon the rest of the world and upon his most cherished loved ones. Bob was guided gently and lovingly by his partner Colleen McKerley Dour, his children Shannon Wyman (Brendan), Maggie, Cassie and Liam Carey, Noah Samson, Colleen’s daughter Miranda Dour, his spirit son Erik Charon (Megan); his sisters Mary Davis (Michael), Kathleen Harmon, Ellie Morrill (Robert); brothers Patrick (Andrea), James (Tricia) and Thomas (Sarah). He is survived by numerous nieces, nephews and family throughout the US and Ireland. Additionally, he maintained a friendship with his former wife, Sue Hayes (Steve). He is predeceased by his parents, Daniel and Bridget (Woods) Carey, his brother Daniel Carey, William Harmon, Derek Dour and Bob’s former love, Alissa Fannie, mother of the four youngest children.

Please join us at a Celebration of Bob’s Life, April 30, 2023 from 1-4pm at Bow, NH Community Building. Memorial service will be held from 2-3pm.

Tie dyes or colorful attire are encouraged. Interment will be held privately by the family.

Peace Be With You.