Harry Albert "Sonny" Carey Jr.

Harry Albert “Sonny” Carey Jr. was born on May 9, 1937, to the late Harry A. and Olive (King) Carey in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. From an early age, Harry lived a life shaped by curiosity, service, faith, and adventure. Harry devoted his professional career to education and service at The Pennsylvania State University in State College, Pennsylvania, where he served as an Extension Educator in the College of Agriculture and later retired. He held a doctorate-equivalent level of education, reflecting his deep commitment to learning and scholarship. A gifted teacher, Harry was known for making complex ideas practical and engaging. In addition to his academic work, he operated a farm, raising crops and livestock and living by the principles he shared with farmers and communities. His creativity and love of learning were evident in the educational materials he designed and the generosity with which he shared his knowledge. Harry also taught Sunday School at a local church, sharing his wisdom and passion for teaching beyond the classroom. He honorably served his country in the United States Army, a commitment that reflected his lifelong sense of duty and service. Harry’s love of people and exploration extended far beyond Pennsylvania. He completed two multi-year international assignments with Winrock International and USAID in Swaziland and Zimbabwe and participated in shorter projects in Lithuania and Italy. Africa held a special place in his heart, particularly Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Botswana, and Lesotho, where friendships and experiences became lifelong treasures. Adventure was central to Harry’s life, along with his deep love for Harley-Davidson motorcycles; he actively participated in Harley Owners Group (HOG) rallies. In 1995, he organized the Harley Owners Group Rally in State College, famously riding his Harley through the lobby of the Scanticon Hotel. He later completed a solo, month-long motorcycle journey to Alaska, traveling with little more than his bike, a hammock, and an independent spirit. In retirement, Harry continued helping others, working part-time at Home Depot, where he delighted customers and coworkers alike with his practical “can-do, fix-it” knowledge. On Monday, January 26, 2026, Harry peacefully departed this life while asleep at his home in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, joining his parents, his sister, Helen “Toosie” (Carey) Ritchey, and his infant brothers, Harry and Roy. He leaves to honor and cherish his life his wife, Anna Carey; his children, Cynthia (Corey) Carey, Sandy (Mark) Shelow, and Thomas (Sabine) Carey of State College, Pennsylvania; Sally Carey of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and Aijalaya McArthur-Carey of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; his grandchildren, Mattie, Lexy, Nick, and Tyler; his great-grandchildren, Blair and Roger; his brothers, Albert “Skip” Carey of Shippensburg and John A. Carey of Loganton; his stepdaughter, Cherette McArthur; his step-grandchildren, Rashien Phillips, NyJah Phillips, Che’Rae Phillips, and Jayceon Irvin; and his step-great-grandchildren, Karter Pate, Meh’Lani Wright, and Amein Phillips, who brought great joy to his life. FAMILY AND FRIENDS ARE ENCOURAGED TO CLICK ON THE SHARE A MEMORY TAB TO POST VIDEOS, SHARE MEMORIES, CONDOLENCES, REFLECTIONS OR SIMPLY LEAVE YOUR NAME. Flower delivery, 8:30 a.m., Tuesday, February 3, at WFD.

Tributes

Harry Albert "Sonny" Carey Jr.

May 9, 1937 - January 26, 2026