Thomas Carey, retired warden, passes

Thomas Carey, who retired as warden in 2006 from California State Prison, Solano, passed away April 11, 2024.

Carey began his career in public service as a supervising senior accounting officer with the California Department of Mental Health’s Patton State Hospital.

He started his correctional career as industries manager at San Quentin State Prison in 1982. He was promoted to associate warden at Mule Creek State Prison when it was activated in 1987.

In 1994, he served as the academy administrator at the Richard A. McGee Correctional Training Center in Galt. He then promoted to chief deputy warden at the Correctional Training Facility at Soledad in 1996.

In 1998, he was appointed as warden at California Correctional Institution at Tehachapi. He was then appointed as warden at CSP-Solano in 2001, where he served until retiring in 2006.

“Carey was known as a man of integrity, earning the respect, trust, and friendship of all who worked with him. He was a great mentor, leader, and friend,” according to his family.

He enjoyed handball, surfing, martial arts, and spending time with family.

Carey is survived by his wife, five children, 12 grandchildren, and four great grandchildren.

Read more tributes to staff and retirees who have passed away.

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