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.
Follow CDCR on YouTube, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter).
Related content
Michelle Battles, retired licensed vocational nurse
Michelle Battles, retired licensed vocational nurse from North Kern State Prison, passed away Aug. 17, 2026. She started her career…
William Francis, retired correctional counselor II
William Francis, a retired correctional counselor II (specialist) from San Quentin Rehabilitation Center, passed away Aug. 12, 2026. He worked…
Ramona Arquilla, retired correctional sergeant
Ramona Arquilla, a retired correctional sergeant from Sierra Conservation Center in Jamestown, passed away June 17, 2026. She began her…
WSP‑RC unites to remember recently passed staff
Wasco State Prison Reception Center (WSP-RC) staff were joined by family members and close friends to remember the lives of…
Darla McCall, retired office services supervisor II
Darla McCall, a retired office services supervisor II from San Quentin Rehabilitation Center, passed away Aug. 8, 2026. McCall started…
Henry Garcia, retired CTF correctional supervising cook
Henry Garcia, a retired correctional supervising cook from the Correctional Training Facility (CTF) at Soledad, passed away Aug. 1, 2026.…