Hubert “Cubie” Carty

“Everybody can be great...because anybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.”
― Martin Luther King Jr.

Hubert Austin Carty, affectionately known as “Cubie,” was born on August 1, 1923, in Princess Bay, New York. He entered eternal rest on January 30, 2025, at the age of 101.

He was the son of John Austin Carty and Mary Connor Carty. As a young child, he was raised in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, alongside his older sister, Rose Carty Bell, and his younger sister, Ethel Carty Richardson. Cubie also spent time in Anguilla, British West Indies, with his family.

Mr. Hubert Carty was a well-loved and respected member of the City of Perth Amboy. He embodied the reality of what one can accomplish in life despite facing limited opportunities due to racial attitudes and economic hardships.

A 1941 graduate of Perth Amboy High School, Mr. Carty holds the distinction of being the first African American inducted into the school’s National Honor Society. This honor speaks volumes about both his achievements and the school’s progressiveness in recognizing his excellence. Another significant achievement was his induction into the Perth Amboy High School Hall of Fame, inspiring students to strive for excellence and lead productive lives despite challenges.

Following graduation, Mr. Carty enlisted in the Armed Services, serving in Germany and the Philippines during World War II. For his service to the nation, he received the World War II Victory Medal, the American Campaign Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal.

Upon returning to Perth Amboy after the war, Mr. Carty was employed by the U.S. Postal Service, where he worked for thirty years before retiring. His career was marked by distinction; he started as a letter carrier and eventually became the first African American to serve as Supervisor of Finance at the Perth Amboy Post Office.

The significance of these accomplishments is best appreciated by understanding the era in which they occurred. At a time when racial barriers made advancement difficult, Mr. Carty's perseverance, faith, and commitment to excellence enabled him to succeed. His sense of humor, love for people, and passion for service made him a remarkable human being.

Even in his later years, Mr. Carty continued to utilize his gifts and talents. He compiled a book of poems titled Heartfelt Moments, and one of his poems was published in Across the Way: Meadows (Eber & Wein Publishing, April 14, 2014). He also shared his poetry as a guest poet at Samuel E. Shull School, sponsored by the Literacy Team.

As a senior citizen, Mr. Carty remained active in his community. His letter to the Board of Education advocating for the naming of School #10 as the Dr. Herbert N. Richardson Elementary School initiated the process that led to the school receiving that name. Even at 91 years of age, he continued serving others by volunteering to transport fellow seniors to medical appointments.

Mr. Carty was an avid NY Mets fan known by his signature cap that was only replaced when he reached 100 years of life and traded the team cap to highlight his centenarian status.  

His commitment to his community fostered significant involvement in various organizations, including the Boy Scouts and the NAACP. Mr. Carty also served as a Trustee of Saint James AME Zion Church in Perth Amboy, New Jersey.

A small handwritten slip of paper carried in his wallet read “My Mother’s advice to me was- Worry about nothing - Pray about anything - Thank God for everything”. 

Mr. Hubert Carty's legacy is one of perseverance, service, and excellence. He leaves behind an indelible mark on his community, inspiring generations to come.