Dr. Robert Peter Carty, age 88, of Mount Sinai, New York died Monday March 23, 2026. Robert was born July 21, 1937 in New York, NY.

Robert P. Carty: A Life Shaped by Learning

Early Life and Family

Robert P. Carty was born on July 21, 1937, in Manhattan, New York, to Marie Ruth Smith and Raymond Carty. Born during a period when New York City was bustling and full of energy, Robert’s environment played a significant role in shaping his formative years and remained a lasting influence throughout his life.

Childhood in a Close-Knit Irish Family

Robert—affectionately known as Peter by his family—spent his childhood surrounded by the warmth of a tight-knit Irish family. The family brownstone, “Grandma Carty’s house,” on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, served as a gathering place where the Carty clan would come together for meals and spirited games of Euchre.

Love of Learning and Academic Achievement

Peter’s parents, especially his mother, fostered his passion for learning. In 1957, Peter’s mother tragically passed away in a plane crash, a loss that profoundly affected him and motivated him to dedicate himself to making her proud. Throughout his academic journey, Peter attended parochial schools, which provided him with structure, discipline, and a solid educational foundation. He later reflected on these experiences with humor and affection, entertaining family and friends with stories that captured both the strict discipline and lighter moments of school life. These stories, often mischievous and self-deprecating, showcased his sharp wit and natural storytelling talent, vividly bringing to life his childhood neighborhood, teachers (the nuns and Christian brothers), and classmates.

Peter attended Manhattan Prep High School, where he excelled academically, graduating at the top of his class as valedictorian and earning numerous awards. He pursued science at Manhattan College and continued his studies at S.U.N.Y. Downstate in Brooklyn, ultimately earning a PhD in Biochemistry.

Formative Experiences in New York City

Growing up in New York City, it was the setting for his formative years and a constant reference throughout Peter’s life. He often shared stories of playing stickball and baseball with friends, engaging in mischievous adventures with his brother and cousins, and recalling how his Uncle Barney would sneak him into Yankee games, but only after he donned a suit. The values Peter absorbed—shaped by family, faith, and education—remained with him long after his school days.

Career in Science and Lifelong Learning

Peter, or Dr. Carty, as he was known by his students far and wide, began his distinguished career in science at Downstate, sharing his passion for Biochemistry with students and colleagues for more than 58 years. His love of learning was matched only by his desire to share knowledge with others.  He was an expert protein chemist who made major contributions to the areas of protein folding and the molecular structure of bio-effector peptides. Dr. Carty was a super teacher who contributed enormously to the growth and success of the Biochemistry graduate student teaching program. He was mechanically gifted, designed and built a highly sensitive amino acid analyzer utilized by numerous different research groups. He sponsored numerous Graduate and MD-PhD students and postdoctoral fellows and was an astoundingly generous and effective professor who gladly gave his time to students and colleagues.

Family Life

Peter met his first wife, Adele, in the late 1950s. Together, with her two sons, Michael and Fred, they became a family. Peter loved Michael and Fred as his own from the beginning. Later, Peter and Adele welcomed two more children, Eileen and Peter. In 1971, Michael had a son, also named Michael, making Peter a loving grandfather. Peter’s life was filled with family, work, and the ever-present “honey-do list.” Adele’s passing in 1998 was a challenging time for Peter, but he found comfort in his work and family. Some years later, he met Harriet, and they married. Harriet’s daughter, Liha, became part of Peter’s life, and he considered her his own. Peter was fortunate to have two great grandchildren, Garrett and Kaitlyn, and two great-great grandchildren, Hayden and Ryder. Peter was also blessed with a large extended family all over the world, including his sons- and daughters-in-law Nancy, Scott, Stephanie, Nick and Theresa, his granddaughter-in-law Heather and his great-granddaughter-in-law Danielle. Peter’s family also included his niece Fisayo, her husband Melvin and their two sons, Leo and Nate, and his niece Ome, her husband Raymond and their sons R.J. and Ronan. He often expressed how fortunate he felt to be surrounded by them.

Interests and Community Involvement

Peter’s interests were varied and enduring. He loved boating and fishing, sharing his passion for the water with family and friends. He was an active Boy Scout leader for many years, committed to teaching practical skills and values to young people. He was also a dedicated gardener, enjoyed spending time outdoors, and took pleasure in woodworking, working on cars, and building things around the house—skills that came in handy given his lengthy honey-do list!

Storytelling and Preserving Family History

Peter’s ability to find humor in his past and share it generously with others became one of his most endearing qualities. His stories, whether about childhood lessons or moments from his long life, connected people through laughter and shared memories. These tales were more than entertainment—they preserved family history and honored the experiences that shaped him and will remain a cherished part of how he is remembered.

Funeral Arrangements: Visitation, Religious Services & Burial

Visiting hours will be held on Friday, March 27, 2026 from 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM & 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM at the McManus-Lorey Funeral Home, 2084 Horseblock Road, Medford, New York. A prayer service will be held at the funeral home on Friday, March 27, 2026 at 7:30 PM with Fr. Ed Seagriff officiating.  This will be live streamed for those who cannot attend.  Please click this here to view.

The funeral will be held 10:00 AM on Saturday, March 28, 2026 at the McManus-Lorey Funeral Home, 2084 Horseblock Road Medford, New York with Rev. Theresa McNally officiating. This will be live streamed for those who cannot attend.  Please click here to view.  Burial will follow in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Coram, New York on Saturday, March 28, 2026.