Charles "Charlie" Walter Carey

Charles “Charlie” Walter Carey, Sr. age 64, of Longboat Key, Florida, and formerly of Columbus, Ohio, passed away at home on September 12, 2025. Charlie was born on August 5, 1961, in Columbus to Walter E. And Patricia H. Carey. He grew up in Worthington, attended Worthington High School and earned a B.S. in Business Administration from Miami University in 1983. He spent treasured summers in high school and college working at Put-In-Bay when his father worked at The Ohio State University’s Stone Laboratory and the family lived in the South Bass Island lighthouse for several summers. Charlie began work for The May Department Stores Company at O’Neill’s in Akron, Ohio. He quickly moved into Human Resources and transferred to Scottsdale, Arizona where he met Sallie Frey and they were married in 1990. They built a life filled with laughter, adventure and devotion to family. Their greatest joy came with the birth of their son, Charlie, Jr., who was the center of his father’s world. He began work for Limited Brands in Columbus in 1994 with HR roles in most of their brands. At Corporate, he was the first ever head of the Central Staffing Team and served as the VP of HR for Creative Functions when he retired. Charlie was admired for his integrity, humor and gift for bringing out the best in others. Charlie and Sallie shared a deep commitment to service and giving back to their community. Beginning in 2011, they raised and trained service dogs for Canine Companions, each puppy becoming a part of their family before moving on to serve others. Their hearts and home were always open - to friends, relatives and four-legged companions alike. Charlie is survived by his loving wife, Sallie; devoted son, Charles Carey, Jr.; sister, Melissa (Steven) Marovich; sisters-in-law, Deborah (Tom) McAllister, Suzan (Tom) Bognanno, and Cindy (Pete) Orona; nieces and nephews as well as loving cousins, lifelong friends and his and Sallie’s dog, Reagan. He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Patricia Carey, and grandparents, Paul and Louise Carey, and Joseph and Verna Huey. A Celebration of Life will be held at 4 p.m. on Friday, November 14, at the Canine Companions North Central Training Center (7480 New Albany-Condit Rd., New Albany, OH 43054). Family and friends are invite to gather afterward for food, fellowship and the sharing of stories. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Canine Companions North Central Region at CCI.org.

Tributes

Charles "Charlie" Walter Carey

August 5, 1961 - September 12, 2025