Carey Gabay Biography

Carey Watson Gabay was born on May 15, 1972 at the Bronx Albert Einstein Hospital. Carey was a precocious young boy who was destined for politics. As an adolescent Carey closely watched the debate between presidents Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan.  He would dress up in his Sunday church clothes and reenact the debate with his own talking points jotted down in a composition book.  Carey was a rare, unique, assiduous kid who was far ahead of his time for his age.  He was raised in the North Bronx where he attended public school in Co-Op City throughout his entire grade school career. He graduated from Harry S. Truman High School and earned a full academic scholarship to Harvard University.

Carey received his baccalaureate degree from Harvard in 1994 where he was the first African American President of the Undergraduate Council. Carey continued his education at Harvard University school of Law earning his Juris Doctorate in 1997. 

In the summer of 1996, Carey obtained a summer internship at a Manhattan law firm formally known as Rogers and Wells, today known as Clifford Chance, where he worked as a corporate finance associate.  Carey's next move was to the law firm of Fried Frank, where he worked from 1999 to 2002. Carey continued his legal career as a corporate finance associate at the law firms of Schulte Roth where he worked from 2002 to 2007, and Jones Day from 2007 to 2009.

Following the financial crisis, Carey decided to leave private practice and pursue his dreams of becoming an activist for his community. Carey served as assistant counsel to the NY Governors office from May 2011 to January 2015. In January 2015 Carey was appointed First Deputy Counsel at the Empire State Development Corporation, New York's chief economic development agency.

Carey exemplified the "American Dream". He grew up in poverty, in the projects, escaping socioeconomic pitfalls through hard work, determination, grit and a deep passion for learning. He worked his way up from the very bottom to the highest halls of power. Carey wanted to one day run for Congress and that would have been another check off his list of dreams.

Carey advocated for his community in hopes of bettering people’s lives.  As part of his work in the Governor's office, Carey helped change policies that ultimately helped countless New York residents obtain affordable housing as well as drafting legislation on the NY SAFE Act in 2013.

Carey loved New York City, particularly Brooklyn.  Although born and raised in the Bronx, Brooklyn appealed to his boundless passion for life. Yet throughout the city, seeing those less fortunate in the places he loved conflicted him, which is why despite Carey's accession through the elite social stratum he never forgot where he came from and always prioritized utilizing his gifts in service to the people. 

On September 7th, 2015 Carey Gabay left his home to partake in a cultural celebration amongst the people called Jouvert. Tragically amidst the celebration, a shootout between two gang rivals occured. Multiple rounds of shots were exchanged as hundreds of labor day revelers had to flee and hide for their survival. Carey was caught between the cross fire and was gravely injured as a bullet struck him in the head. He bravely fought for nine days in the hospital and sadly on September 15th 2015 he was pronounced brain dead. 

His life is a testimony that even in seemingly hopeless circumstances anyone can succeed and thrive through their own efforts and continue to help others do the same. Though he is no longer here in the flesh to continue his mission, Carey leaves his meritorious example of excellence and empathy behind as invaluable lessons and a legacy that will resonate, inspire and guide many future generations of leaders.