Leo S. Carty was born on April 17, 1931, in Harlem, New York, the youngest of four children to Finley and Loretta Carty. His artistic talent was recognized at an early age when he received a scholarship to the Museum of Modern Art School for Children at the age of ten. Leo dedicated his entire life to the arts and traveled throughout the world sharing his talent. He enjoyed learning different cultures and loved playing chess.
Carty moved to St. Croix in 1976 and began to expand his style and mediums. In 1996 he received his highest honor when he was selected as a recipient of the Governor’s First Awards for Excellence in the Arts, “in recognition of your accomplishments and exceptional contribution toward the advancement of the visual arts in the Virgin Islands.”
Leo loved his family very much and leaves to mourn: his sister, Avis; his sons: Paul, Ivan and Stefan; daughter-in-laws: Kimberly, Silvia, Gabrielle and Katrina; grandchildren: Rachel, Paul Jr., Trevor, Joshua, Ivan Jr., Vonciel, Stefany, Aliyah, Jaquade, Anton and Aaron; and great-grandchildren: Imani, Ariana, Isabel, Jayden, Isaiah, Josiah, Joel, Shane, Madison and Kamiya. He also leaves numerous nephews, nieces and friends that he loved dearly. Helping him to cross over were his parents, his brother, George, his sister, Elcinia, and his son, Anton, who all preceded him in death.
A viewing will be held at 10 a.m. and a funeral service at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 3, at the Beulah AME Church (Christiansted). Cremation will follow after.
All arrangements are by James Memorial Funeral Home Inc.
