Brian Carey Obituary

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

As a neighbor and fellow firefighter, I would like to extend my condolences to your family. The services were breathtaking and dignified Brian's service and sacrifice beyond words. Although I have never had the privilege of meeting your son personally, I am positive that I can speak on behalf of the entire firefighting brotherhood in saying that on that day, we all felt a loss and a void. In the fire/EMS service, death, suffering and tragedy occur fat too often. Yet, there are people like Brian, who devote their entire lives, energies and resources to helping people that they have never met, or who may never even thank them. Such amazing people are a testament to those that have raised them and helped shape them into the beautiful individuals they become. I am thankful that there are promises in the Bible that I have been familiar with since childhood that help me during times of tragedy. I personally take comfort in knowing that our heavenly Father is eager to end death, and is eager to reunite us with those that we have lost. I pray that your family may find comfort in these as I have. Revelation 21:3,4 - "...and God himself will be with them. And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away." Most assuredly, then, you will be reunited with your hero, Brian, the way that you remember him. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

Brian and Kathy,

We are so sorry for your loss. Just heard from my Mother Bridie what had happened.

So sorry that we weren't there for the service. He was a good kid.

Sincerely,
Michael, Angelika, Rory, Billy and Brigitta

Carey Family...please accept my belated but deepest sympathies for your loss. He is a hero in my eyes and that of many others. Even in your grief I know that you feel truly proud and blessed to have had such a wonderful young man to touch your lives. You all remain in my prayers...De Borah

dear carey family,we are so sorry for the loss of your beloved brian. we have very fond memories of your son and family. we have several family members who are chicago firemen and we sympathize with your loss. you are in our thoughts and prayers.

My grandson is a FF in Palos Park & went to the walk through. He said he had never seen anything like it. How proud you must be of your dear Brian. I live by Holy Sepluchre & saw all of the respect Brian was given. It broke my heart as my grandson is only 1 year younger than your son.
I think what a tremendous honor it must have been to recieve the ground zero flag for a fallen hero. May god comfort you & your family.

Carey Family,

We are so so sorry for our great loss of your dear son Brian, even though we never met him or knew him. He's truly a brave hero to us all that passed away too quickly too soon. May God guide your family thru these hard times. Brian will never be forgotten, he'll always be in your hearts & others.

Brian Sr we met you about over 10yrs ago @ our house closing. Our deepest sympanthy

Dear Kathy,

I am so very sorry about your Brian. My heart just aches for you, your husband and family. Please know I am thinking of you and keeping you in my prayers. I am so so sorry.

With love, Marianne (Rogers) Trotter

Dear Carey Family -- My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. Thank you for raising a fine son and brother that dared to do what few others would. Please accept my deepest sympathies.

Sorry that we never met but by profession you will always be our brother. God speed from all of us.

Mark Carey, Matt Carey and Michael Carey
Mount Gilead Fire Department,Ohio

To the Carey Family,
I knew of Brian from the neighborhood and just wanted to express my deepest condolences to your entire family. I am so very sorry for what you are all going through at this time. My family and I will be keeping Brian and your family in our daily prayers.

~Jordan Stanker Brandl and the entire Stanker Family

Dear Carey Family,
I write this with a heavy heart for the loss of your beautiful son and brother. You do not know me but I too lost my 29 yr. old son almost three years ago.
The amazing legacy that Brian has left you will forever be your source of comfort. There are no answers, just loving caring family and friends to get you through.
I am sure you are in awe of the love and goodness Brian has brought to you with family, friends and his friends.
If I can say one thing, it is to talk about Brian - always - tell the stories - cry and laugh when you speak of him. This will be your salvation.
We are praying and thinking of your difficult days - a place we never want any parent to go through.
Hopefully, Brian and Pat have met in heaven.
Mary Alice Brice

With you all in heart and prayer,
Pat Casey in Sligo, Ireland

You are in the thoughts and prayers of all who know your story without knowing you. I do not dare to know what you are going through now, but I know how you felt every time he walked out of the house and to the job he absolutely loved. I am a wife, a mother and a sister of firemen (Custer Township, Plainfield and Naperville), and I pray every time they leave, that they will return safely. Thank you, Brians mom and dad, for giving the world such a brave and fearless man. Words could never express the gratitude and sorrow each firefighter feels today, or how deeply sorry we are for you loss. (Frank and Cindy Davito,Custer Park Illinois)

Kathy, Brian and Family,
I was in awe of the turnout at the wake for Brian. What a fabulous tribute to Brian and his heroism. You raised a wonderful person who obviously cared so much for others. You should be so proud! His heroism was at great cost to your family. He will live in the hearts of many (esp Mrs. Elias). Our sympathies are with you!
Jane and Robert Ambrose

To the Carey Family,
I have just learned of the passing of your son and brother Brian. As a former EMT/Paramedic from the South Suburbs I have worked with the Homewood Fire Department in my history. Brian was the Bravest of the Brave, as a brother emergency responder, I pain at his loss. May God bless your family as the Firefighters, EMT's and Paramedics that have gone before him are caring for him now.

Our hearts go out to you. We never knew your son. However we know many people that did. Jake at work tells me how your son would drive by his house to put a smile on his daughter's face in his fire truck and how involved he was in her benefits. ( She has a muscular skelatal disorder.) Another co-worker Jerrry worked out with your son at Cardinal Fitness as did Gloria's son-in law. They said he was recently accepted into Chicago's Fire Department Academy and it was a difficult decision for him. Mary and Dan Rooney tell us he was an incredible kid... The one thing everyone said was what a fine young man he was! Everyone truly loved him... We are so sorry that he was working that evening as I'm sure you are too... And we truly can't express how sorry we are for you. Just take very good care of each other, I'm sure Brian would want that... You are in our prayers. Love, Peggy Yore-Lucas and family.

Dear Carey Family,
I just want to send out my deepest condolences to you and your family. My father is a Burbank Firefighter and he seems to be just like your son. I always asked him why is it when everyone is running away from the fire you are running in? He always told me because that is what I was put here to do , to help and try to save people. Even though I do not know Brian I believe that this is what he was sent here to do. God now has the most precious person by his side to watch and protect everyone. Just remember you now have an angle in your corner. Jessica

Our hearts go out to you. I never knew Brian, however I work with Jake whose daughter just adored Brian. Choloe has a muscular skelatal disorder and Brian was very involved with her benefits and would drive by her house just to put a smile on her face. Her dream to is to become a firefighter. Another co-worker Jerry used to work out with Brian. And my boss, Gloria's som-in law used to work out with Brian every day at Cardinal Fitness. He said Brian was recently accepted into Chicago's Fire Academy. The one thing they all said is what a fine young man he was. They all truly loved him. It was an unbelievably brave thing he did. He truly was a hero. I truly wish he was never there that night as I'm sure you do. Our hearts and prayers go out to you and your family. Love, Peggy Yore-Lucas
Take good care of each other, Your son would want that I'm sure.....

It's always a wonder to me why someone so young doing so much good is taken so early. I bid you gods speed Brian.
Rath De ort Brian - Grace of God be with ye .

Kevin Redmond
FF/EMT-P CFPD

Dear Carey Family,

My heart goes out to your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

Dear Kathy, Brian and family
I only met Brian a few times. But every time I did he was always very courteous & polite. I give Brian a lot of credit for following his dreams. He did in a short time what a lot of people try to accomplish but never succeed to do their whole lives. He worked doing what he always dreamed of doing. My prayers and thoughts are with all of you. I'm sure he will be missed by many as witnessed by the amount of people at the visitation....Terry Giblin

Brian Carey/and Family= Its been a while...but I was shocked and sadden w/ the death of your son......Tom Strama

May God bless and keep you and your family in his heart. forever.

Dear Carey Family
We did not know your son but we are a Fire Dept family of 4 generations. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you all. My husband was a fire chief in Posen and our son Bryant is a present Fire Chief of Orland Park
We also have another connection with you .Our grandson Colin has Cystic Fribrosis. We support CF 100% We will Donate in Brian's name at our next event God keep you strong as try to deal with your grief.
God Bless you all The Krizik Families

TO THE FAMILY OF BRIAN CAREY . WE DO NOT KNOW YOU PERSONALLY BUT THANK YOU AND BRIAN FOR HIM HELPING OTHERS.MY FAMILY AND I WILL LIKE TO PRECEED TO PRAY FOR YOU ALL.
WHEN THE RAINBOW IS AT FULL MOON YOU KNOW BRIAN WILL BE WITH YOU AND THAT WILL BE HIS SMILE SAYING YOU DID GOOD. WHEN THE DROPS OF RAIN COMES DOWN WILL BE HIM CRYING ON YOUR SHOULDER AND SAYING IN YOUR EAR I LOVE YOU. BE STRONG AND WE WILL ALL HAVE HIM DEEPLY ALIVE IN OUR HEART AND PRAYERS .
THE SCHNEIDER'S OF EVERGREEN PARK

Dear Carey Family,

It is with deep grief that I learn of the death of your kind and brave Son; and, especially, that it is affecting your young hearts beyond what is common in such cases. In this sad world of ours, sorrow comes to all; and, to the young, it comes with bitterest agony, because it takes them unawares. The older have learned to ever expect it. I am anxious to afford some alleviation of your present distress. Perfect relief is not possible, except with time. You can not now realize that you will ever feel better. Is not this so? And yet it is a mistake. You are sure to be happy again. To know this, which is certainly true, will make you some less miserable now. I have had experience enough to know what I say; and you need only to believe it, to feel better at once. The memory of your dear son, instead of an agony, will yet be a sad sweet feeling in your heart; of a purer and holier sort than you have known before.

Please present my kind regards,
Brad Aguirre
Brother Rice Grad ‘99

Daer Carey Family,
You are in our thoughts and prayers. Brian will be sadly missed.

The Underwood Family
Mainstreet Limo

Dear Carey Family -
I am so sorry for your loss. Please know we will keep Brian and the entire Carey family in our thoughts and prayers. The Dwyer Family (St. Bernadette - Evergreen Park)

To The Carey Family,
As I stood next to my husband A Carol Stream Fire Fighter last night to pay our respects to your son and family I couldn't imagine all the pain that your family is going threw. As I seen Patrick in tears it broke my heart. The Fire Department is a loving and caring family. As your family was able to see last night. The thousands of Fire and Police are an extended family. Losing Brian was not only hard on the Homewood Fire Department and your family, but all The Fire Departments.Your son is an amazing man.He fulfilled his dreams, and touched so many people.I can only pray that in time God heals your pain. My thoughts and Prayers are with you all. God Bless you all.Brian you are a HERO!!!!

The Crawford Family

Dear Family and Friends of Brian,
I did not know Brian, but I am the mother of a firefighter and hope to never experience your pain and suffering. Know that Brian is now watching and protecting you from above, and he died as proud as anyone could be. What a hero. And as the Irish Prayer/Blessing goes: May the Road Rise to Meet him, May the Winds be always at his Back, and may the sun shine warm upon his face and rains fall soft upon his fields. And now when he meets God in heaven, know that God is holding Brian in the palm of his hand. And remember we can never lose someone we love as we know where they are--in heaven. I have no words of comfort but you have my sympathies and my prayers. And my sympathy to the entire Homewood Fire Dept as well as all the firemen who help keep us safe.

God Bless Brian Carey, his family and his fellow firefighters. My heartfelt sympathy is with you. Jean Braun (St. Bernadette's, Evergreen Park)

Kathy & Brian,
I heard with great sadness tonight of the death of your son, Brian. May you be consoled by the sacrifice he made on behalf of others. Wishing you and your family peace and keeping you in my prayers.

Dear Carey family,
I didnt know Brain, but from what I'm reading about him he was a wonderful, brave young man who gave his life doing what he loved. You should be very proud of him, and I pray that God is taking care of him now & helpng his family through this devastating time.

Dear family and friends of FF Brian Carey,
I did not know him, but know that he gave his life to save another life. To me he is a "HERO". As a daughter and a sister to a fire fighter, I know how much their job means to them. That saving lives is one of the greatest gifts that they could give someone. Brian gave that gift. He will be honored by all and especially up in heaven. God Bless you Fire fighter Brian Carey for all your hard work and bravery. To the family and friends, may wonderful memories of Brian get you though each day and know many are praying and thinking of you.

May God watch over you all.
Our Deepest Sympathy.
The Clarke Family.

Dear Carey Family/Homewood Fire Dept.
I offer my sincere and heartfelt condolences with losing your Brian.I am so sorry. I know your pain and understand exactly how you feel, see It has been 4 months since losing my wonderful husband FF/Paramedic Terrance Freeman of the Rockford Fire Department. As I search for words, I know no single one will ease your pain. I still today, and many more to come walk this journey. Like Brian, Terrance was young, loved the job and loved what he did. It's something about the individuals that unselfishly give of themselves to protect and serve everyone. The brotherhood of firefighters is one that is undeniably strong and loving and at this most difficult time, know that you will forever be able to lean on them. Please know that you are not alone as we all, those you know and do not know will lift the family and hold you in prayer. I will keep you in my thoughts daily as I know healing happens second by second. Have comfort in knowing that Brian's fellow FF brothers that have gone before him welcome and embrace him. Thank you HFD for your support and thank you Carey Family for Brian. I pray for your strength, comfort and peace.

To the family of FireFighter Brian Colin Carey, I also am the mother of a FireFighter, and I am so very sorry for the loss of your very courageous son,brother. I know he was doing something very special that he always wanted to do and never thought for a minute of not doing it or helping someone in need.
Please know that your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
God Bless all FireFighters and keep them safe.

I did not know him personally but my prayers go out to his family for his loss. I grew up in Evergreen Park and my dad was a volunteer fireman. Just remember he will live on in your hearts and memories!!!

To The Carey Family, please accept our deepest sympathy and condolences for the loss of a very courageous hero that Brian Colin Carey was. You will be in our thoughts and prayers. Golden Griddle Pancake House, Evergreen Park, IL

I did not know Brian all that well, but from what I did know of him, I could see that he had a light around him that will not soon burn out even in death. He made the ultimate sacrifice in saving others.

"In life, its not the years that count; its the life in those years." - Abraham Lincoln

Your son was a good man, honest and straight-forward. The angels have welcomed him home in joy. He will watch over you always.

Carey Family, I am truly sorry for your loss and your family is in my prayers. My brother and Brian were very close and I am deeply saddened by the news of this. Your son was/is very brave and is truly a HERO.

The Carey family,
Sorry for your loss, your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
The Fitzgibbons family

I am very sorry for your loss. I know that there are no words to take the pain you are feeling away but know that he will always be in your heart. Take care of each other always and keep him alive within your memories.
Andrea Perez

Dear Brian, Kathy and family,
We were so saddened and sorry when we heard of Brians death. Please know that we are keeping your family in our prayers. Brian is a true hero. May your faith be a strength to you during this difficult time.

To the Family of FF Carey: I am the mother of a firefighter, who is also 28 years old, and the daughter of a former firefighter. My heart is heavy with grief for your family on the loss of your son, brother, grandson, and friend. No words can ease the pain that is felt by all. FF Carey gave the ultimate sacrifice doing the job he loved. May God comfort you in all the days ahead and give you peace. I will keep you in my heart and prayers. God love you! The memories of your beloved Brian are forever etched into the souls of many.

To the Brothers in the Homewood FD: You are all in my thoughts and prayers...I pray for all the safety of firefighters everywhere. God keep you safe.

To the family of Brian Colin Carey,
I want to add the Tobin Family to the long list of people who mourn Brian Colin's passing and who send their thoughts and prayers for the Carey family in this time of sorrow. Your loss is felt by all but especially those who have lost a young family member way before their time. This loss is like no other. Please take comfort that young Brian gave his life in savings others. The calling doesn't get higher than that. On the news that night I watched my old Loyola Campion Hall roommate of some 38 years ago speak of his son and his dreams with tears in my eyes. May God Bless the Carey Family and give them continued strength.
Mike Tobin & family
Batavia, IL

we are deeply saden of your loss and pray for you, always remember the good times , you and your family should be very proud of the brave thing he did to help try, to save a life god bless you.

Dear Carey family,
Please accept our deepest and heartfelt condolences from the Rosangelas Pizza family. We were shocked and saddened when we heard of Brians passing. We feel we are a part of the Evergreen family and over the years we have watched Brian grow into a wonderful young man. May you find comfort in your faith and the knowledge that he is with the Lord and you will one day be together again. May your memories of him last you a lifetime.

Please know the entire Chicagoland community honors your son as a hero. As a patient with chronic illness who often needs the help of paramedics and firefighters I see many of them very often. Please know that you and your amazing son will be in my thoughts and prayers.

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

When I was 13, I knew that I wanted to grow up to be a firefighter. For that reason, I can relate to Brian's longtime goal to be part of such an honarable and respected profession. Like Brian, I can also relate to the feeling of reaching such an important goal in life and being able to make a difference in the lives of others.

Brian has re-defined the true meaning of courage, heroism and selflessness. In his own way, he has also set the bar for the fire service when it comes to dedication, commitment and purpose.

God Bless Firefighter Brian Carey and his family.

Jim Arie
Fire Chief
Barrington Fire Department

Barrington, IL

Sorry for your loss. Brian was a hero. We honor his sacrifice. May he rest in peace. God Bless his family.
The O'Connor Family

As a mother and a mother in law of firefighters my heart and deepest sympathy goes out to the entire Carey Family. I pray that God will see you through this unbelievable loss. You and your family will be in my thoughts and my prayers. Lezley Zubaty, Worth, Il

Brian,Kathy, Margaret, Kevin and Annie. We are so far away here from you but you must know that you are constantly in our thoughts. Boo was a truely wonderful guy and we were all blessed to know him so well. He was so good to us when we spent our summer in Chicago and all my friends were so fond of him. We will remember him always as a happy, energetic character and he is a genuine hero. To second what Eddie said, no words can really describe the enormity of his loss. lots of love Anna and Cathy xxx

Our deepest sorrow goes to the Carey Family,although we never met.. you gave the ultimate sacrifice for another human being.People are quick to call someone a hero,but you are a real hero.May God bless you,your family and friends.The Haggerty's
Oak Lawn,il.

Dear Carey Family
We are so sorry for your loss Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time I know how very proud of him
Sorry we are not there for you
Jerry, Pam McCall and family

Dear Carey Family, as residents of Homewood, Illinois, please know that your son's heroics will never leave our memory. He is the bravest of the brave. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family in your time of need. God bless you for raising such an awesome child to become such a hero to all. Tom and Lisa Landvogt, Homewood, IL

As a resident of Homewood, I want to say Thank You, for your brave and Valiant service to our community. Your family should be proud they raised a son and human being like you. Our community and the world will miss a wonderful person like you. Only the good die young, this is so true.

Thoughts and Prayers go out to Brian and his family.....I have firemen in my family and I pray for there safe return home everyday on the job. I didn't know Brian, but I feel like I have lost a dear friend and "brother" when I read the stories that have been written in his memory!

I will keep all of you close to my heart as the hardest days are still to come.

When A fallen Firefighter gives the ultimate sacrifice all Brothers mourn the passing.

May the lord Jesus Christ rest his soul.



Sincerely Retired CFD

Ronald Shulga

Brian thank you for your service, your father said it best when he said everyone was running out when you were running in to save lives. The town of Homewood owes you a debt of gratitude and may you never be forgotten.

With each moment, with each hour, as you honor and remember Brian, may memories and love cradle your heart, with gentle warmth of heaven's embrace.

Hero! Rest In Peace!

I didn't know you, Brian, but THANK YOU. We need more people like you in this world. Your family can be very proud.

Kathleen, Brian, Margaret, Annie & Kevin and all the Firefighters of Homewood:
As we celebrate the Resurrection this Easter season, we send to you our deepest condolences on the loss of Brian. Those in the Communication & Fine Arts Division at Loras College, his alma mater, will always remember his quick Irish smile and wit, and his desire to serve others as a fire fighter. At ten am on Tuesday, when the bells toll Brian's entrance, carried by his family, friends and fellow firefighters, to St. Bernadette, the 35 majors in my Communication Law class in Keane Hall will pause silently, listening to the bells at Christ the King Chapel as they chime ten times and remembering our fallen DuHawk with a prayer.

And, when he shall die,
Take him and cut him out in little stars,
And he will make the face of Heaven so fine
That all the world will be in love with night
And pay no worship to the garish sun.
~ William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet

May Brian rest in peace and may you be proud of the life he gave for others.
Prof. Mary Lynn Neuhaus--Loras College--Dubuque, Iowa

Dear Brian & Kathy & Family,
So sorry to hear of your tremendous loss. I cannot be there because I'm in Ireland, but my thoughts are prayers are with you all. May Bo rest in peace. Keep all the wonderful memories of him alive in your hearts. Love, Pat

HI Bo,
you are so missed by all here in Ireland, we had a great conversation last night recounting your many 'interesting' and exciting exploits over the years since you first landed on these shores. Your capacity to down many a pint was commented with on with pride , you did your old man proud!
Its pointless to say you will be missed, no words can really convey the feeling of loss here, you know that.
Lots of love old pal
Sandra n Eddie

Brian, Kathy and family, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. As each day passes the memories will become brighter and make you smile. Keep those in your heart, mind and soul.

"Those we love don't go away,
they walk beside us every day.
Unseen, unheard, but always near,
Still loved, still missed, and very dear."

I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this tragic time.

Brian was a special part of an 8th grade class who shared their unique talents with us at St. Bernadette Grammar School and grew up to devote their lives to making a difference in our world. God must have a special task for Brian to have called him home so young. The world will miss his smile and his devotion to helping people. My deepest sympathies to his family and friends. May his heroism and the role model his memory will be for all of us comfort you.

To the family of Fire Fighter Carey and the other members of the Homewood Fire Department, you are all in our thoughts and prayers during this sad time. Remember the good times of the past along with the fact that this hero gave his life to try and safe the life of another. May God watch over you, your department and your community.
Members of the Independence Township Fire Department, Michigan.