Hugh Carey

Hugh Carey was an American politician and United States Army officer who served as the 51st Governor of New York from 1975 to 1983. A member of the Democratic Party, he previously represented Brooklyn in the United States House of Representatives for seven terms. He is widely credited with rescuing New York City from the brink of bankruptcy during the 1975 New York City fiscal crisis through decisive leadership and the creation of key financial institutions.

Early life and education

Hugh Leo Carey was born in the Park Slope neighborhood of Brooklyn, the son of Margaret and Dennis Carey. He attended St. Augustine Academy and later graduated from St. John's University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1942. He earned his Juris Doctor from the St. John's University School of Law in 1951, after his service in World War II. His early life in New York City deeply influenced his political perspective and commitment to public service.

Military service and early career

During World War II, Carey served with distinction in the United States Army. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant and served in the 10th Mountain Division, seeing combat in the Italian Campaign. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal and left the service with the rank of major. After the war, he worked in the family petroleum business, the Carey Storage Battery Company, while completing his legal education and entering local politics.

U.S. House of Representatives

Carey was elected to the United States House of Representatives in 1960, representing New York's 15th congressional district. After redistricting, he represented the 12th district, which included parts of Brooklyn and Queens. During his tenure, he served on the powerful House Ways and Means Committee and was a staunch advocate for social programs, helping to craft legislation for Medicare and federal education aid. He also served on the House Committee on Education and Labor and was a delegate to the 1968 Democratic National Convention.

Governor of New York

Elected Governor of New York in 1974, Carey took office during a severe fiscal crisis. His most significant achievement was managing the 1975 New York City fiscal crisis, where he helped orchestrate a federal loan guarantee from the Ford administration and created the Municipal Assistance Corporation and the New York State Financial Control Board to oversee the city's finances. His administration also established the Tuition Assistance Program for State University of New York and City University of New York students, commuted the sentence of Lolita Lebrón, and oversaw the response to the 1977 New York City blackout. He was re-elected in 1978, defeating Perry B. Duryea, but chose not to seek a third term in 1982.

Post-gubernatorial life and death

After leaving the New York State Capitol, Carey returned to private life, practicing law and engaging in business ventures. He served on several corporate boards and remained an influential elder statesman within the Democratic Party. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Bill Clinton in 2000. Carey died of natural causes at his home on Shelter Island in 2011. He was interred at Calverton National Cemetery following a funeral mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral attended by prominent figures including Governor Andrew Cuomo and former President Bill Clinton.

Category:1919 births Category:2011 deaths Category:Governors of New York Category:New York (state) Democrats