Gene L. Cary (1928-2021)

Retired psychiatrist Gene L. Cary MD, 92, a longtime resident of Hershey, passed away on October 11, 2021 in the Jefferson Lansdale Hospital. Beloved husband, father of five, avid tennis player, fly fisherman, and later, a writer, Gene Cary believed in the potential for people to create new beginnings in their lives. He was born October 24, 1928 in Buffalo, NY, son of the late Leonard and Margaret Cary. Gene was a Sergeant in the U.S. Army serving on Okinawa, repairing watches and excelling as a peace-time football player. He earned his college degree on the GI bill in 1952 at University at Buffalo. Dr. Gene L. Cary retired as a psychiatrist in private practice with Hershey Psychiatric Associates, at age 70. He began his career after graduating from the State University of New York (S.U.N.Y.) at Syracuse where he later became a faculty member of the Department of Psychiatry. He moved to Hershey in 1971 where he helped develop and direct the Department of Psychiatry at the Penn State University Medical School. His varied psychiatric practice included teaching, counseling and forensic work. He was a member of the American Medical Association and the Pennsylvania Psychiatric Society (President, 1997-98) and a fellow of the American Psychiatric Association and the Pennsylvania Medical Society. He consulted at the Hoffman Homes for Youth; the Oxford House of Adams-Hanover Counseling Center; the Polyclinic Hospital, Harrisburg; the Advances of Wiley House; and elsewhere, specializing in the treatment of troubled adolescents. In medical school, Gene met nursing student Janice F. McDonald, beginning a life-long love story. They were married 63 years and had 5 children, their earthly union ending with Jan Cary's death in December, 2020, soon after relocating to The Landing at Towamencin, Landsdale, to be closer to their children. As a busy physician, Dr. Cary cherished time with his children, playing ball in the "sideyard" and encouraging them to pursue their unique talents. After work, Gene jogged for relaxation, cooling off in the popular swimming pool of his home on Valley Road afterwards. After retirement, Gene Cary, began his career as a writer, publishing Beginnings: Stories, Poems and Anecdotes. The family celebrated the book's release with him on his 92nd birthday last October in their house in Oakmont. Gene was an avid tennis player throughout his life, his tennis racket sitting by the front door of the Oakmont house and his winter home in Siesta Key, FL. His racket remained at the ready in the Colonnades at Country Meadows well into his late 80's. Gene is survived by his 5 children, 10 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren: Phillip Cary and his wife Nancy Hazle along with their 3 children, Jonathan, Christopher and Jacob; Brian Cary along with his 2 children, Caroline and Ryan; Bruce Cary and his wife, Carolyn Collins along with Bruce's son, Jack; Allison Jenkins along with her 2 children, Katy and Veronica; Meghan Cary and her husband, Peter Farrell along with their 2 children, Clara and Quinn; and his two great grandchildren, Titus and Riley Hazle. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Janice F. Cary in December of 2020, and his grandson, Joseph Jenkins in May, 2011. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 16, 2021 at 11AM at the Hoover Funeral Home & Crematory, 88 Lucy Ave., Hershey. The family will begin receiving guests at 10AM. Interment will follow at the Hershey Cemetery. Those attending are asked to follow COVID19 guidelines and wear a mask while indoors. The memorial will be viewable at www.hooverfuneralhome.com where you can also send condolences via the online guest book. Gene's family would like to acknowledge the tireless service of medical and caregiving professionals throughout this unprecedented time. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial contributions to Haiti Partners, PO Box 2865, Vero Beach, FL 32961 or https://haitipartners.org/ www.pennlive.com/obits