Mr. Carl William Humphreys, 75, loving husband, favorite uncle, and cherished friend, passed away Sunday, Oct. 18, 2020, at his home in East Point. A Vietnam War hero, he was coincidentally born on the anniversary of our nation’s independence, July 4, 1945, in South Ozone Park, Queens, N.Y., to the late Lawson William “Larry” Humphreys and Mary Durkin “Mollie” Humphreys.
Carl is survived by his wife of 51 years, Catherine Sonya “Cathy” Humphreys; dear friend, Joanne Boyko, who was more like a sister and whose friendship was immeasurable; brother-in-law, Fred Scalise; 10 nieces and nephews, Scott Scalise, and his children, Samantha and Tyler, James (Michelle) Kolosek and their sons, John, Jordan, and Nicholas, who affectionately called him “Pop Pop”; Barbaranne (Christopher) McDonald and their daughter, Anna Christina; John Edward Kolosek and his sons, Joshua, Jake, and John II; Lawson Humphreys and his children, Megan and Brendan; Todd Humphreys; Keith (Karen) Humphreys and their children, Jessica, Hannah, and Daniel; Mark Humphreys and his children, Mark, Jr., Jonathan, and Katie; Stacy Humphreys; and Randy Scalise and his children, Rachael and Deanna; and last, but not least, his dogs, KC, Sophia, and Beau.
In addition to his parents, Carl was predeceased by his sister, Elizabeth “May” Scalise; brother, Lawson Jeremiah Humphreys and his wife, Dolores; sister-in-law, Gail Kolosek and her husband, Richard; and his best friend, Ted Boyko.
Following in the footsteps of several generations of Humphreys men, Carl graduated high school and began his career with one of our nation’s largest energy companies, Consolidated Edison Company of New York. In 1965, after 15 months with Con Edison, he was drafted into the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He was assigned to the 196th Light Infantry Brigade in Tay Ninh, Vietnam, and served as infantry point man, assuming the front and most exposed position to lead his unit through hostile territory.
While his unwavering vigilance and bravery saved the lives of the men in his unit, it came with great sacrifice for Sgt. Humphreys, who was awarded the Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Clusters in 1967. Following his courageous service to our country, Carl returned home, where he continued his career with Con Edison and married the love of his life.
Over the years, Carl enjoyed deer hunting in upstate New York and since retiring to the Eastern Shore, he spent many days boating and fishing the beautiful waters of the Chesapeake Bay. Carl especially looked forward to spending time with family and friends, and he never missed an opportunity to spoil his nieces and nephews and their children.
Carl’s family is eternally grateful to Dr. Mark Trueth and staff, of Salisbury, Md., and Riverside Medical Group, of Onancock, for the extraordinary care and support they provided throughout his illness.
A viewing and visitation, with military honors, was held at the Williams-Onancock Funeral Home on Thursday, Oct. 22, 2020, from 1 until 3 p.m. Private interment was held at the Fairview Lawn Cemetery.
For those who wish to honor Carl’s memory, please consider giving a monetary donation or volunteering at a local veteran organization, or simply help any veteran in need.
Memory tributes may be shared with the family at www.williamsfuneralhomes.
Arrangements by the Williams-Onancock Funeral Home.
