STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — There’s an old joke that goes, “What do you call a person who is happy on a Monday? Retired.” This Monday, Staten Island native Steve Carr will be that happy fella, retiring 50 years to the day, from his position at Doody’s Home Center.
Steve Carr began his half-century career at the Doody’s Staten Island location on Victory Blvd, which closed in 2017, after which he began working at the original Doody’s location in Brooklyn, according to his wife, Jacqueline Carr. The couple were long-time residents of West Brighton before relocating to Manalapan, N.J.
Well-loved by everyone, Steve began his career at Doody’s as a sales floor associate, quickly moving up to assistant manager, and then manager, and ultimately to Vice President, his current position in the Brooklyn branch.
“My children and I are so proud of my husband’s 50-year career with Doody Home Center,” said Jacqueline. “He began working as a part-time employee on March 26, 1971 and is retiring on that exact date, March 26, 2021. Doody’s is still family owned and operated, and Steve always treated his employees and employers like part of his family.”
According to Jacqueline, Doody’s has played a part in their personal lives, too, having met there, 34 years ago. “Doody’s is actually where we met and we are celebrating our anniversary in May. The store has always been a part of our story,” said Jackie.
“So many people on Staten Island knew Doody’s, and ‘the big guy with the white hair.’ My husband Steve and the store were icons of the neighborhood, known for their courtesy and customer service.”
Doody Home Center is honoring Steve’s 50 year retirement with a dinner at Garguilo’s in Coney Island, Brooklyn next week, and the Carr family will be hosting a celebration for him at Bueno Sera, in Red Bank, N.J., in April.
“I’m looking forward to spending more time with my family, and hopefully traveling,” said Steve, whose bucket list includes vacationing in Ireland and Greece. “But most of all, I am happy about no longer commuting from Manalapan NJ to Brooklyn!”
Steve Carr’s nephew, Alex Carr, who is married to Elvis Duran of Z-100′s Elvis Duran and the Morning Show, has fond memories of his uncle working at Doody’s.
“When I was a little boy, my father would drive me to Doody’s to visit my uncle,” he said. “I enjoyed walking up and down the aisles, especially the aisle with the doorbells.
“With at least 15 different doorbells to sample by pressing the buttons, you can imagine how much fun that was for a kid. Mesmerized by the sounds of the chimes, I’m sure everyone in the store enjoyed the concert. It was always a memorable time visiting my uncle at the store.”
DOODY’S HISTORY
The business started in Brooklyn as John J. Doody & Son Inc. in 1925, said Peter Doody. According to Doody Home Centers website, the family-owned business opened on Jerome Avenue in Brooklyn and later moved to the current location at Avenue Y and East 17th St.
“Doody’s originally began as a center for building material supply, primarily selling brick, block, sand, cement, and a host of other building materials. During the Great Depression, Doody’s secured the contract to supply all of the building materials for the now famous Lundy Bros. Restaurant on Emmons Ave. This contract helped the business survive throughout those very difficult times,” according to its website.
Steve Carr, second from right, is pictured with his son, Steven, at left, Jacqueline, and his daughter, Samantha. (Courtesy Jackie Carr)
Steve Carr and his grandson, Grayson Bright Luka, 2. (Courtesy Jackie Carr)
Steve carr, at left, with his nephew, Anthony Virga, his nephew, Alex Carr, and his son, Steven Carr, at Alex's wedding in 2019. (Family photo)