NYS Governor Andrew M. Cuomo this morning announced the passing of former NYS Governor Hugh L. Carey at the age of 92.

The following is his statement released this morning:

“Today, New York State mourns the loss of one of our finest leaders, Governor Hugh L. Carey.

Governor Carey led our state during a time of great financial turmoil and pulled us back from the brink of bankruptcy and economic ruin.

Governor Carey was a true American success story. He was born and raised in Brooklyn. He served with valor in Germany during World War II and when he returned home to Brooklyn, he married and started a family. He became a civic and business leader and was elected to Congress, where no one fought harder for New York.

Governor Carey took charge of the state in the midst of a fiscal crisis – the bankruptcy of the City of New York. The city’s finances were spiraling out of control and the expanding crisis threatened the fiscal stability of the state and the nation. Governor Carey faced this challenge with tenacity and a conviction that gave New Yorkers hope that government could lead our state through the crisis.

Declaring that the days of wine and roses were over, Governor Carey looked to statesmanship and compromise, rather than partisanship or parochialism, to get the state’s fiscal house in order. He called for shared sacrifice and asked all New Yorkers to come together. New Yorkers across the state heard the Governor’s call to action, followed his lead, and the ship was righted.

Beyond Governor Carey’s extraordinary leadership and actions during the fiscal crisis, Governor Carey also stood tall for New Yorkers who could not stand up for themselves. Starting with the Willowbrook decree, Governor Carey took up the fight on behalf of the mentally ill and imposed historic reforms on a mental health care system rife with dysfunction and abuse.

Governor Carey never backed away from a tough fight, but he also knew that governing meant respecting the Legislature and respecting members of the opposite party. His administration was not marked with partisan fights or ideological gridlock. He used his charisma, wit, and intellect to succeed.

His administration was one that will be remembered for its remarkable achievements and superlative competence in the operation of government, as well as the Governor’s energy, enthusiasm and love of New York and for all New Yorkers.

Upon leaving office, it was written that Governor Carey was a ‘Governor for hard winters.’ It was true. He was tough, he was smart, and he was the person our state needed to see us through crisis.

On behalf of all New Yorkers, I send my thoughts and prayers to the members of the Carey family and offer our support as they mourn their loss.”

THE FOLLOWING IS A STATEMENT RELEASED BY HIS FAMILY:

“The Family of former Governor Hugh L .Carey announced today that the Governor passed away peacefully at his much loved summer home on Shelter Island, New York, early this morning. The Governor was surrounded by his loving family. He was 92 years of age.

The Fifty First Governor of New York State, Governor Carey served as New York’s Chief Executive from 1975 through 1982. He was widely credited with saving the City of New York from bankruptcy, during the 1970’s fiscal crisis. He signed the landmark Willowbrook Consent Decree and his administration initiated the I Love New York Campaign and The Empire State Games among many endeavors.

Prior to his election as Governor in 1974, Hugh Carey spent 14 years in the U. S. House of Representatives serving Brooklyn’s 12th and 15th congressional districts. He served on the powerful Ways and Means committee in Congress, and was heralded as a champion of the underprivileged. He was a stalwart leader of efforts to achieve fair and equal rights for the developmentally challenged and to create programs to benefit the underserved members of our society.

Governor Carey was a decorated veteran of World War II; his unit liberated the Nordhausen concentration camp from Nazi Germany and he retired from military service with the rank of Colonel. Governor Carey was awarded the Combat Infantry Award, Bronze Star and the Croix de Guerre amongst other honors. A member of The Four Horsemen along with Senator Edward M. Kennedy, Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan, and House Speaker Tip O’Neill, Governor Carey strived for peaceful solutions to the conflict in Northern Ireland.

Governor Carey was a graduate of St. John’s University and St. John’s School of Law.

He was appointed to the American Battle Monuments Commission by President Bill Clinton.

Hugh Leo Carey was married to the late Helen Owen Carey on February 27th 1947 in The Lady Chapel of St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Together they raised 14 children. The Governor is survived by 11 children, 25 grandchildren and 6 Great Grand-Children. Mr. Carey was pre-deceased by his late wife Helen in 1974, and three sons Peter, Hugh Jr., and Paul. His parents were Margaret Collins and Dennis Carey.

Funeral arrangements will be announced shortly.”

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)