Marvin Caretsky

Marvin Caretsky, 97, a long-time resident of Hilton Head Island, died on Memorial Day, May 26, 2025. His daughter, June, was by his side. Marvin also had two sons, William of Palmyra, Virginia and Long Island, New York and James of Long Island, New York. He had eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his beautiful wife of 62 years, Evelyn, in 2012. He missed her every day of his remaining life.

Marvin was born on May 30, 1927 in New York City to parents, Joseph and Frances Caretsky. He attended Brooklyn Technical High School, an all boys school known for its rigorous academics and discipline. While in school, during WWII, Marvin enlisted in the Air Force and completed basic training in Biloxi, Mississippi in 1945. Stationed in France and Germany, Marvin served his country for two years.

When he returned home from Europe, he used the GI bill to study mechanical engineering at Champlain College in New York. It was during this time that Marvin met his future wife, Evelyn, on a blind date. They married on Christmas Eve in 1950 while still students in their senior year.

Marvin completed his degree at New York University. He earned his professional engineers license and was driven to succeed. In 1959, he founded Caretsky and Associates Consulting Engineers specializing in hospital and healthcare design. They also designed educational facilities, office, commercial, residential and public buildings as well as industrial engineering projects. Marvin’s firm earned many prestigious awards in New York and other parts of the country. He was president of the American Consulting Engineers Council for two years and became a lifetime member. Additionally, Marvin taught in the graduate school of architecture at Princeton University.

Marvin and Evelyn raised their family in Huntington, New York and lived a full life living on the water where family and friends would gather for many years. Four different family members were married at their home.

In 1990, Marvin and Evelyn retired to Hilton Head Island. They joined the Unitarian Universalist Church where they met many wonderful friends. They played golf and attended many social functions at Oyster Reef and Bear Creek Golf Clubs. Also, Marvin volunteered for Second Helpings, delivering food to those in need and served on the Architecture Review Boards in Hilton Head Plantation and for the town of Hilton Head Island. Marvin taught classes at Life Long Learning and USCB. Marvin and Evelyn thoroughly enjoyed their travels all over the world visiting over fifty countries.

Marvin had an amazing will to live and will be missed by many friends and family members. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, June 18 at 11:00 AM at the Unitarian Universalist Church of the Lowcountry at 110 Malphrus Road, Bluffton. All are welcome to attend.