Dr. Robert J. Carey DDS, MS, Col USAF (Ret), age 82, of Sanford, Florida, passed away peacefully on March 25, 2022.

Robert, "Bob", was born in Baltimore, Maryland on August 1, 1939 to Martin and Dolores (Cadden) Carey. He graduated from Loyola High School in Towson, MD, attended Loyola University in Baltimore, MD, and then earned a Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the University of Maryland in 1965. Bob also completed a post-graduate Master of Science degree at the University of Texas-Houston in 1975.

Bob served 20-years in the U.S. Air Force where he was promoted to the rank of colonel and led one of the largest, best-equipped dental training clinics in the USAF. During his service, Bob was awarded the AF Longevity Service Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, AF Outstanding Unit Award, AF Commendation Medal and the Legion of Merit Medal. His military assignments included relocating with his family to Barksdale AFB in Shreveport, LA (1965-1967); Tehran, Iran (1967-1969); Edwards AFB in Los Angeles, CA (1969-1973); Houston, TX (1973-1974); Lackland AFB in San Antonio, TX (1974-1975); the USAF European Theater Hospital in Wiesbaden, Germany (1975-1978); Chanute AFB in Rantoul, IL (1978-1982); and Kessler AFB in Biloxi, MS (1982-1985). His three children will always fondly remember growing up as "military brats", and they appreciated the opportunity to travel the world with Bob through his service. After retiring from the Air Force, Bob opened up a successful dental practice in Coral Springs, Florida where he continued to practice general dentistry until he sold the business in 2002. He then relocated to the Sanford area in 2003.

Bob was a man who loved God, Country, and Family. He was a political conservative and enjoyed a good-spirited debate on any issue. He supported many candidates for local and state-wide office, and volunteered his time to campaign on their behalf. Bob was a faithful catholic and an active member in the church community wherever he lived. He enjoyed watching all sports, but mostly looked forward to the college football season every year. Bob loved cheering on the FSU Seminoles - where all three of his kids spent his tuition money. Most of all, Bob was a proud father and granddad who enthusiastically showed up to coach, or to show support for various sporting events through the years. Even as his health deteriorated, Bob made every effort to attend high school and college games to watch his grandsons play ball, and his granddaughters participate in competitive cheerleading. If he couldn't be there in person, Bob would follow the action on radio, tv, or the internet. His grandchildren were his pride and joy.

Bob was preceded in death by his wife of nearly 40-years, Jo Ann (Eisenhart) Carey (2003); both parents; and brothers Joseph, John, and Albert.

He is survived by wife Donna (Freeman) Carey of Blairsville, GA; his children Colleen and Dion Ackerman of Sun Prairie, WI, Brian and Lisa Carey of Tallahassee, and Kathleen and Mark Cardegnio of Lake Mary; his six grandchildren, Kellie Ackerman, Michael (MAC) Carey, John Carey, Mark Cardegnio Jr., Katelyn Cardegnio, and Michael Cardegnio; his sisters MaryEllen Pierangelino of Wellington, Ann Collins of Hanover, PA, and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Tunnel2Towers Foundation, or Respect Life.

The family of Bob Carey invites you to leave a message of condolence on the Tribute Wall created in his loving memory.