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Thursday, August 6, 2026
4:00 - 6:00 pm (Eastern time)
Friday, August 7, 2026
Starts at 11:00 am (Eastern time)
John H. "Jack" Carew loved people. He loved being alive, embraced every moment, and found joy in every connection. Whether with family, lifelong friends, or someone he had just met, Jack had a remarkable gift for making people feel valued and important.
He passed away at the age of 89, leaving behind a family who adored him and countless friends and colleagues whose lives were enriched by knowing him. Jack is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Barbara; his children Sean (Robin), Patty (Tim), and Kieran; his grandchildren Griffin (Alyssa), Hope, Colton, Hugh, Colby (Alissa), Fiona, and Henry; his four great-grandchildren; and his siblings Mary Ann (Gil) and John (Rita). He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend.
To his grandchildren especially, he was a constant source of encouragement, wisdom, laughter, and unconditional love.
Born in New York City in 1937, Jack attended St. John's University on a track scholarship, where he met the love of his life, Barbara. Their partnership would span more than six decades and become the foundation of a remarkable family and life together. After graduation, Jack proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps, eventually attaining the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
While raising their young family, Jack and Barbara built Carew International together, a business that grew into an internationally recognized sales and leadership training organization serving Fortune 500 companies around the world. Jack became one of the nation's most sought-after speakers and authored bestselling books on selling and leadership. He spent his career elevating a profession he deeply respected, believing that selling, at its best, was a high and noble calling rooted in service, integrity, and helping others succeed.
His alma mater, St. John's University, honored him with induction into its Athletic Hall of Fame, Distinguished Alumnus recognition, the President's Medal, an honorary Doctor of Commercial Science degree, and twelve years of service on its Board of Governors.
Yet those who knew Jack best will tell you that his greatest achievement was not found in business, books, speeches, or honors. It was in the lives he touched and the relationships he built. He had a generous, open heart that drew people in. He approached every conversation, with anyone, in any walk of life, with the same care, curiosity, and respect. He believed every person had value, every story was worth hearing, and every encounter held the possibility of friendship.
He loved conversation, learning, sports, and family gatherings. His optimism was contagious, his generosity genuine, and his enthusiasm for life impossible to ignore. He never stopped making new friends, never stopped believing in people, and never missed an opportunity to let someone know they mattered.
His legacy lives in the relationships he built, the kindness he showed, and the love he shared so freely. He will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever cherished.
A visitation will be held on August 6, 2026, from 4:00pm to 6:00pm, at Gilligan Funeral Home, 8225 Montgomery Road, Cincinnati, OH. A funeral Mass will take place on August 7, 2026, at 11:00am at St. Cecilia Catholic Church, 3105 Madison Rd. Cincinnati, OH 45209. Burial will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to St. John's University, Tisch MS Research Center of New York, or Ave Maria University.
Gilligan Funeral Home
St. Cecilia Catholic Church
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