MARV CAREY AUTO

Marv has been selling cars  in the Wyoming Valley for more than 75 years. He can help find you the right car at the right price.

Marvin C. Carey

It is with great sadness, but also with tremendous gratitude for a life well lived, that we announce the recent passing of Marvin C. Carey, age 94. 

A lifelong resident of Wilkes-Barre, Marv was the last surviving member of the ninth generation of Careys, who first arrived in America in 1634.

Marv was born in 1931 to John S. Carey and Anna Zugarek, and was the youngest of ten children. He was preceded in death by all of his siblings, his wife Joan, and his son Billy. He is survived by his sons, Bruce Carey, who resides locally with his life partner, Tracey Buckland, and Scott Carey, who lives in Cocoa Beach with his wife, Mary. He also leaves behind his beloved granddaughter, Carson Elizabeth Carey, along with dozens of cherished nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Marv originally attended Meyers High School, but was expelled after riding his Harley up the school's main interior steps on a dare--a feat that likely remains unmatched in school history. Undeterred, he went on to graduate from nearby G.A.R. High School in 1949.

After high school, Marv served during the Korean War. What began as a routine Army assignment evolved into managing a large military postal operation, thanks to his initiative and ability to see opportunities that others might miss. He used the same ingenuity and resourcefulness to purchase several cars and even a home in Japan during his military service, providing him with the seed money to start his own business when he returned home after the war. It was perhaps the earliest indication of a unique talent for finding his own path, and a lifelong habit of gently thumbing his nose at authority.

Upon returning home, Marv began a career in the automobile business that would span an astonishing 75 years, making him one of Pennsylvania’s longest-active car dealers. He was perhaps best known for selling thousands of Volkswagens during the height of his business in the 1980’s. Over the years, he sold cars to multiple generations of local families and never met a deal or a bargain he wasn’t willing to consider. 

Those who visited his Blackman Street car lot might remember him as much for the cars he sold as for his brightly-colored and occasionally eye-watering wardrobe choices—fashion selections that brought him great joy and his family considerable embarrassment. 

Marv was sharp-witted, quick with a joke, and never short on opinions. He created countless fond memories for friends, family, customers, and just about anyone fortunate enough to have crossed his path. 

He also leaves behind two business locations filled to the brim with car parts, old vehicles, and treasures whose purpose was known only to him, as well as a home packed floor-to-ceiling with items collected over a lifetime, many of them acquired only because they were free. The family is still trying to determine whether they inherited an estate, an archaeological dig, or both.

Marv lived life entirely on his own terms, and those who knew him well would not have expected it any other way.

A burial service will be held on the afternoon of October 10that 1:00 p.m. at Fern Knoll Cemetery in Dallas. Additional details will be available through MarvCareyAuto.com or through the Georgeastrishinc.com Funeral Home of Ashley website.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you take a moment to share your favorite Marv memory  at Legacy.com or make a donation to your favorite charity in Marvin's memory.