Denis Gayle Carey

Denis Carey passed away peacefully in the early hours of December 31, 2024, at the age of 85. Born on May 9, 1939, in Northampton, MA, Denis was the beloved son of Michael and Elizabeth Carey and one of thirteen siblings: Michael Jr., Stephen, Daniel, William, Robert, John, Maureen, Elizabeth, Thomas, Catherine, Kay, and Edward.

Denis spent many years in the iconic family home at 3850 Washington Street in Roslindale. Purchased by his eldest brother Michael in the 1960s, the home reunited all the siblings under one roof and served as a landing spot for them over the next 40 years. It was a place filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories.

Denis began his Army service at Fort Dix, New Jersey, in 1962. Later, in 1970, he joined the Police Academy and embarked on a distinguished career in law enforcement, starting in Roxbury. He served in the Vice Intelligence and Organized Crime Unit, earning a reputation as an expert in gambling and loan sharking cases. His ability to decipher bookie notations with unmatched precision made him a formidable presence in court, often prompting defense lawyers to submit immediate pleas. Denis was admired by colleagues for his fairness, integrity, and dedication to justice.

After retiring in 1992, Denis embraced life to the fullest. He enjoyed trips to Las Vegas, Suffolk Downs, and, in his later years, Encore, using his knowledge of gambling as a source of entertainment. Despite his accomplishments, Denis remained lighthearted, often remarking with his signature humor, “Be grateful for today because tomorrow will be worse,” and, “Can you believe this weather? I can’t believe I’m this old—unbelievable,” always with a laugh and a smile.

Denis found joy in the simple things. He would take the train into Downtown Crossing daily, often spending time at the Prudential Center, where he’d read the newspaper, fold it neatly, and leave it behind for a stranger to enjoy. He was curious and grateful, always appreciating life’s small moments and seeing the good in everything.

Denis will be deeply missed by his two daughters, Lea and Melissa; his three sons, Dennis, Richard, and Joseph; and the many cousins who lovingly referred to him as "The Last Carey Standing." His humor, kindness, warmth, and friendship left a lasting impact on all who knew him.

Years ago, Denis came across a poem in the newspaper and shared it with his daughter. When she thought it was sad, Denis replied, “It means I will have lived a very long life.” In his honor, let us reflect on this poem as a tribute to his optimism and positivity.

A Mass of Catholic Burial will be held at St. Joseph Church, located at 550 Washington Street, Quincy, MA 02169, at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, January 17, 2025. Burial will follow at Brookdale Cemetery, 86 Brookdale Avenue, Dedham, MA.  

Requiem

It came to me the other day:

Were I to die, no one would say,

‘Oh, what a shame! So young, so full

Of promise – depths unplumbable!

Instead, a shrug and tearless eyes

Will greet my overdue demise;

The wide response will be, I know,

‘I thought he died a while ago.’

For life’s a shabby subterfuge,

And death is real, and dark, and huge.

The shock of it will register

Nowhere but where it will occur.

-John Updike