Obituary of Michael G. Carew

Michael G. Carew (Mike), age 85, passed away on November 1, 2023, surrounded by his family. Mike, a dedicated scholar, was born on July 18, 1938, to parents John F. Carew II and Edwina Murphy Carew in Rockville Centre, New York.

A lifelong academic, Mike embarked on an impressive business career and educational journey, graduating from Fordham University in 1961 with a double major in History and Politics.

Mike's commitment to his country led him to serve in the Marine Corps as an Artillery Officer, which included a tour in the Far East. He retired as a first lieutenant in 1965.

Mike launched his business career in New York. He completed an MBA from  New York University in 1968. He was a senior corporate executive and chief financial officer in New York commercial banking, including insurance, real estate, and government finance. Mike's career took him through various institutions, including US Trust Company, the Urban Development Corporation, Citytrust Bank, and AXA-Equitable Financial Inc. In addition to his work in the financial sector, Michael served as the President of Historic Hudson Valley.

In 2000, Mike enthusiastically began an impressive second career as a professor and author, focusing on his intellectual passion for history and economics. He graduated with a Ph.D. from New York University in 2002, with a concentration in 20th-century U.S. History.  Mike began a teaching career at Baruch College in New York City as a professor in the economics department, where he got great joy from introducing students to economic theory.  He notably authored four books and numerous articles in scholarly journals, with a focus on the impact of economic policy on historic events. Titles include, "Becoming the Arsenal: The American Industrial Mobilization for World War II, 1938-1942,"  "The Impact of the First World War on U.S. Policymakers: American Strategic and Foreign Policy Formulation, 1938–1942,"  and "Revisiting the Roots of the Cold War".

Outside of his professional achievements, Mike was an avid tennis player, walker, and body surfer. He approached life with enthusiasm and a thirst for knowledge that was inspirational. He was a proud New Yorker and a patron of the city's cultural institutions. He enjoyed traveling throughout his life and spent his later years visiting Europe for extended stays in order to pursue academic research.

Mike is survived by his loving wife, Silke Ossenkopp, and two children, Alicia (Philip) Hammarskjold and Karen (Gary) Yanoshik. Mike cherished his seven grandchildren: Ryan, Brooke, Grace, Jack, Sophie, Luke, and Sam. He is also survived by three wonderful siblings, John F. Carew III, Virginia Carew, and Thomas Carew.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and his sister, Edwina Brennan.

Mike's enduring legacy is one of dedication, scholarship, and a keen sense of humor. He would want his loved ones to chuckle that he left this earth on All Saints Day. He will be greatly missed by those who had the privilege of knowing him.

Services will be held Tuesday, November 7th at 130 pm at The Church of St Francis Xavier 55 West 15th Street New York 10011.