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BORN
1925
DIED
2014
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John Carney Obituary
AGE: 89 • Wilmington
Jack Carney died, peacefully and surrounded by his loving family, on Wednesday, July 9, 2014, after 89 years of a wonderful life. He was born February 11, 1925 in Carbondale, PA, the son and only child of Margaret (Fallon) and Charles Carney. On June 26 of this year, he and his wife, Ann (Buckley), celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.
Jack grew up in West Philadelphia, in an apartment above a candy store run by his mother. He was a proud graduate of West Catholic High School and of St. Joseph's University, where he played basketball for Coach Bill Ferguson, and received his Master's degree from Temple University. He remained a devoted St. Joe's fan and would greet fellow alumni cheerfully, "The Hawk will never die." He was also a great fan of Philadelphia's professional sports teams and the University of Delaware, and especially of his children's and grandchildren's school and college teams.
Jack was a teacher, guidance counselor, and longtime administrator in the Brandywine School District and the former Wilmington Public Schools District. His professional life's work was to help others—especially children and adolescents—to reach their full potential. After he retired, Jack developed a Human Ecology curriculum for schools, and created the Human Ecology Foundation to promote it, a passion that reflected Jack's lifelong belief in education as essential not only for individual success but for responsible citizenship and the common good.
His own community service included volunteer work and board leadership with American Cancer Society, American Lung Association, and March of Dimes. With Ann, he was a volunteer at Wilmington Hospital, serving communion and good cheer to patients, for more than 20 years; the family extends special thanks to the Hospital staff for their care and support. He was active with the Men of Malvern, a spiritual retreat program, for more than 60 years. He founded and then led the CCD program at Holy Rosary, and also helped to secure the grant to hire the first executive director for the Autism Society of Delaware. Jack was honored by former Governor Mike Castle with the 1986 State Volunteer of the Year Award.
Together in their Claymont home of 50 years, Jack and Ann raised nine children; all were present for their parents' anniversary celebration last month. Jack took the deepest pleasure, and always found humor, in the adventures of the big family, and was famous for enticing neighbors, friends, and more than a few strangers to help along the way, whether with home repairs, vacation stops and sports tickets, or just a good bargain. Jack was known never to miss, and occasionally to create, opportunities to break into song, and he and Ann always welcomed family and friends, and their children's friends, in times of both need and celebration.
Jack took joy in life as a true devotion—to faith, family, education, community service, his Irish heritage, and his sports teams. He shared that joy with a sincerity and selflessness that are rare, indeed, gathering friends, fans, and singing partners across endeavors and generations. He encouraged everyone he met to "keep up the good work" and "thanks for being you," and always made the people around him feel cherished.
Survivors include Jack's wife of 60 years, Ann; children Margaret McCaffery (Michael) of Hillsborough, CA; John (Tracey) of Wilmington; Michael (Niamh) of Newark; Elizabeth O'Neill (Brendan) of Wilmington; Mary Wright (Michael Keating) of Denver, CO; Joseph (Gail) of Wilmington; Edward of Wilmington; Theresa McCullough (Mark) of Charlottesville, VA; and Claire (Rob Stone) of Wilmington; 19 grandchildren—Maureen, Michael, and Christopher McCaffery; Sam and Jimmy Carney; Hannah Carney; Brendan, Eamon, Lorraine, Claire, and Brian O'Neill; Jonathan Fallers, Annie and Catherine Wright; Kathlyn Carney; Gabriella and John Paul Carney; and Matthew and Hope McCullough; brothers-in-law Francis (Mickey) and John (Sheila) Buckley and their families. All join in thanks for Jack's life on earth and for the endurance of his joyful spirit, the wind now forever at his back.
Visitation will be held on Monday, July 14, from 6:00-9:00 pm at Holy Rosary Church, 3200 Philadelphia Pike, Claymont, DE 19703. An additional visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 15, 9:30-10:30 am at church with the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am. Burial will follow at St. Joseph on the Brandywine Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions are welcome to the Ann and Jack Carney Scholarship Fund at St. Mark's High School, 2501 Pike Creek Road, Wilmington DE 19808 or to the Human Ecology Foundation at www.humanecologyfoundation.org/donations.
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Memories and Condolences
for John Carney
July 17, 2014
Liz and Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
With sympathy,
Kelly Conner
July 17, 2014
To the Carney Family … I have no words to express the sadness I feel for the loss of your dad … one of GODS greatest children … you are all in my heart and prayers … with all my love Joey Demattio
July 17, 2014
To John & family,
I wanted to let you know that my thoughts & prayers go out to you. I'm sorry I couldn't be there, But may God Bless you & keep his arms around you & your family. Sincerely,Phillippa McNair
Jenny Lindsey
July 16, 2014
One of my fondest memories with Mr. Carney was one night when I was babysitting, after putting Rainey to bed, and watching a Phillies game with him, Colleen, and Mrs. Carney. He insisted I stay and watch, so I did. I am not a big sports person, but his family is! It was an important game and everyone was glued to the TV in the den, and everyone was yelling and excited, jumping up and down at one point. It was a blast! His passion for sports, family, education, and enjoying life was infectious. My condolences to Liz, Mrs. Carney, and the entire family. He will be missed, but never far, especially with Brain's upcoming football games! Irish eyes are smiling.
July 16, 2014
I first want to express my deepest sympathy to all the Carney family..so sorry I was unable to attend your father's service..Mr. Carney was a very pleasant man who always took the time to talk to you at all the SMH sporting events..he always knew the "Smith" girls and often asked about our big family as well..I loved the article in the news journal today about his big family and the beautiful nine children he had..I can so relate to the many family outings and sharing a bathroom with 14 siblings and only 4 bedrooms..what wonderful memories..and you either grew up hating or loving one another (of course the loving)..I hope you all hold your wonderful memories in your hearts and that you all find the strength to carry on as he would want you to do..lots of love and prayers to Mrs. Carney...and your lovely family..with sincere sympathy..Bonnie "Smith" Dodd
Jeff Cross
July 15, 2014
Jack was an amazing man. I don't know if I ever heard him say "I". He always wanted to know how you were and what you were doing. He had an amazing memory, was an incredible story teller and was probably the most positive person I've ever met. When I grow up, I want to be Jack.
Our prayers and deepest sympathies to the entire family.
Cassie Waslyn
July 15, 2014
To Mrs. Carney, and Liz and the rest of the family, he was a real gentlemen and a very proud father. My family always called him our bread man. He and Ann were very supportive off my mother and I thank you for this. This one man who will be truly misses by whoever met him. Thinking of all of you. Cassie Wolfe Waslyn, Shelly and Nancy Wolfe
jim carney
July 15, 2014
always sad to see another carney leave us.he was a gentlemen at all times and will be missed.jmc
"Patti" Cerchio(-Vieira)
July 15, 2014
My deepest condolences to the entire Carney Family.
Whenever I think of Mr Carney, I remember how grateful my Mother was for his help getting support for my younger brother; who it was determined had a learning disability, Dyslexia. While it is well-known now, it was not in the late 60s, early 70s. When I entered St. Mark's, in the first class without a Carney; whenever my Mother saw Mr. Carney at something, she would always comment about how wonderful he was in getting help for my brother.
For all the Carney kids, you are extremely blessed to have seen your wonderful parents celebrate 60 years together.
July 15, 2014
My memories of Jack and Ann are images of sweetness, two people full of love and living life the best they knew! They were a shining example of how to be and I'm so happy to have known and loved them. We share your loss of a most wonderful man who will never be forgotten. We send our sympathies to everyone and our prayers for peace.
Love, Martha and Joe Grieco
Hugh Richmond
July 15, 2014
John wasa great teacher, friend and person. He was always eady to help anyone with needs. It was great to have him at our reunion of Mount Pleasant class of 1960.
Kevin Kelley
July 15, 2014
My family and I are deeply Sorry for the loss of your loved one. He was truly a special person.
Linda Lytle Acuff
July 14, 2014
I feel blessed to have had Mr. Carney as my 8th grade social studies teacher. When we are over 70years old and can still remember a teacher from our junior high days, I think that says a lot. My deepest sympathies go to his family and friends.
Carolyn (Cookie Oberle) Scerni
July 14, 2014
I graduated from Holy Rosary and Mt. Pleasant (1960) and knew and respected Mr. Carney. He was a very special person and will be remembered and loved by many.
July 14, 2014
To the entire extended Carney Family,
The Jarome family would like to convey our deepest sympathies in the loss of your Father and Grandfather. I had the pleasure of knowing him through your sons and he was a great Father and man he will be truly missed.
Bob Jarome
Charles Fitzpatrick
July 14, 2014
My deepest sympathy Mrs. Carney, John and Stacy and your whole family. I remember him during political events, he was a great gentleman. He will be remembered.
Joe Wilson
July 14, 2014
Mr. Carney (later, "Jack") was my 8th grade social studies teacher at Mt. Pleasant Jr. High. He was a good teacher and a very good guy. It was always fun to see him in later years with his great energy and friendly greeting. Seemingly, he never forgot any of his students. His passing is a loss to the Wilmington and Delaware communities.
July 14, 2014
TO THE FAMILY OF MR CARNEY,MY SYMPATHY.
I HAVE BEEN FRIENDS WITH SON JOSEPH FOR MANY YEARS.
DOMINICK FERRARI
July 14, 2014
Dear Carney family - My husband and I will certainly miss our wonderful neighbor, Mr. Carney. He and David had many good conversations about their "Phillies". Our thoughts are with you. Kathi Weiss
July 13, 2014
Dear Mrs. Carney and family,
Our hearts are full and our prayers are with you all as we share your sorrow and celebrate Mr. Carney's legacy that lives on in each one of you. We are so grateful for our happy memories and will hold them closely in our hearts, now and forever. Love, David & Colleen Conaty
July 13, 2014
Jim and Mary Catalino send their deepest sympathy to Anne and the entire Carney family. We will always remember Jack and Mary's father Joe Greenwood whose friendship together made us all feel like true family.
Adam Fisher
July 13, 2014
What a wonderful fellow !! He and I worked together for 15 years (1976-1900), he in the Wilmington-Red Clay and Claymont School Districts and I in The Delaware Department of Education. Such a marvelous Family man. He always made me feel welcome to work with him. One never forgets such a heart-warming fellow.
Respectfully, Adam Wm. Fisher, Ph.D.
Sandy Johnson and family
July 13, 2014
To John and family ....
I will always remember his great smile, love and support of family and friendly engaging manner. May you always have wonderful memories of the special gifts he shared with you and the rest of the world.
Peace and love,
Sandy Johnson and family
Gordon Taylor
July 12, 2014
I worked in one of the schools when Jack was an administrater in Brandywine School District I was in Maintenance in one of the schools, he was a very fair man he took the time to listen to the men and women if we had concerns or problems nothing was too much for him to listen to or deal with R.I P Jack and God Bless your family, my sincerest sympathy to the Carney Family
Marianne Green Taylor
July 12, 2014
I knew The Carney Family from attending Holy Rosary School back in the 60s my deepest sympathy to the Carney family, I always witnessed this man with a smile on his face and always greeting people with a kind word God Bless the Carney Family R.I.P Mr. Carney You now know what you lived your life for
Renee, Bryan and Lucas Fuller
July 12, 2014
Dearest Theresa and family: I am so incredibly sorry for your loss! Your Charlottesville 'family' has been holding all of you in prayer, your many friends thinking about you and sending energy your way. As I read your dad's obituary I see Theresa how he lives on in you, as he certainly raised his daughter to be the wonderful, kind person it sounds like he was. What a wonderful legacy he leaves behind. I hope the many memories will bring you comfort. With love.
Joseph Guderian
July 12, 2014
A Good Neighbor in Claymont for many years. Rest in Peace from the Guderian family.
Frank & Sharon Carroll
July 12, 2014
we are so sorry for your loss. Jack was a good man a role model for all men .Any man can be a dad , Jack showed all of us what it means to be a father and husband.
Carol Tavani MD MS DLFAPA
July 12, 2014
I'm so sorry for your loss. What a great guy.
My roots are in West Philly too. My parents graduated from
West Catholic as well.
My prayers are with you at this sad time.
Stephen Burke
July 12, 2014
Jack and Ann, If I had a mom and dad, I would have wanted them to be just like you. Thanks for setting such a great example for us. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Carney Family. Love Anne & Burkey
Ann Connolly and sons Mike, James and Mark
July 12, 2014
To my dear cousin Ann.....you and Jack were two of my parents favorites!.There are fond memories of our families together for all the communion, confirmations, graduations, showers, weddings and christenings. My love and prayers are with you and Margaret, John, Elizabeth, Michael, Mary, Joe, Eddie, Theresa and Clare and their families. I will never forget Jack's rich baritone voice singing"When Irish Eyes are Smiling". Heaven is now very Irish...God bless you.
La Vaida Owens-White
July 11, 2014
My thoughts and prayers are with you during these difficult days. My deepest sympathies for the loss of your husband and father.
Joe Limmina
July 11, 2014
My condolences to the Carney family. Jack was a wonderful man and always had a kind word for me and my family.
Marcy McGowan
July 11, 2014
I used to sleep over Carney's all the time - Mr. Carney was so laid back and a great father. I remember Dad laying congoleum when you got your great room in Ashbourne Hills. All of us that slept over were one of the family, He was a great Dad
Marcy McGowan
July 11, 2014
Mr. Carney was a great father - remember him fondly sleeping over at the Carney's - what's one more kid? Dad put down congoleum in their great room years ago - we will always remember him and the great family he has. Hope Mrs. Carney is doing ok! My condolences
Chris Rowe
July 11, 2014
Always remember Mr. Carney with a smile on his face when I was growing up with his children in the Holy Rosary Community. May our Lord bring The Carney Family his loving peace!!!€
Roy Anthony Marge
July 11, 2014
Mrs. Carney, my family knew yours very well growing up in Claymont, from Holy Rosary to Saint Marks and on, mere words can't say enough how we feel on the passing of a loved one. My Father coached several of your children, and enjoyed them all. To Michael, if there is anything I can help with, call me.
Bill, Toni, Chris McLaughlin
July 11, 2014
I had some great lunches with Jack talking about his Human Ecology course. Then he quickly turned the conversation to your family and sports-his true loves. A true gentle man. I always thought he could have been my father's brother. Kindred spirits. I will never forget him bringing communion to my father in his final days. Jack was quite a guy.
Debra McMullen
July 11, 2014
To John, Mike, and the rest of the family: When I think of growing up in Claymont, the Carney family always comes to mind. What a great family! I am sorry for your loss and will be thinking of all of you during this difficult time.
Rebecca Sellers
July 11, 2014
Liz
I am very sorry for your loss. To absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. You have my deepest sympathy. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
Sandra Akell Seidel
July 11, 2014
My deepest sympathies to the Carney family. Mr Carney was so great with all of us at Mount Pleasant Junior High School. Very popular with everyone. His gentility and warm smile were contagious. Later in life, I used to see him in Kirkwood Fitness Club. Thank you, Mr. Carney for giving the Mount Pleasant Green Knights a great start in life experience. Never to be forgotten. Sandra Akell Seidel, class of '62
Bill Greto, Jr.
July 11, 2014
Dear Carney Family,
I am so very sorry to hear of Jack's passing. He always supported Holy Rosary - even coming to our Alumni fund-raisers. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. May you take comfort in knowing that he is resting now in the arms of our Lord.
With deepest sympathy,
July 11, 2014
To John & The Carney Family,
Our sincere condolences.....we extend our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to you all.
Peace and Love,
Burtie & Franzswa Watson
MaryAnn Johnson
July 11, 2014
I have a hunch that since Wednesday there has been non-stop singing in heaven!!! I know you are grateful that Jack is at peace and yet I realize that you are all feeling a tremendous void. Be assured that I am sending you hugs and prayers. Though it feels like Jack is gone, he lives on in the many lives and organizations he touched. Ann, I am honored to know you and Jack and I cherish fond memories- especially a lively book discussion with Jack when I visited you in Avalon. Peace be to you and yours!
PJ Gosch
July 11, 2014
John & Family,
I am very sorry to hear of your loss and will keep you in my thoughts & prayers.
July 11, 2014
Our thoughts & prayers are with Mr. Carney and the entire Carney family. Theresa was in my grade and went to Holy Rosary grade school with my husband Jim. Our sincere condolences from one "old school" Claymont family to another.
Margaret (Rapposelli) Crowley & the Rapposelli Family
July 11, 2014
May God bless the Carneys's family in this time of sorrow. Jack will always be in our hearts. Luz Berrios
Marie Blest
July 11, 2014
My Prayers go out to you and your Family Congressman Carney.
Ralph Cella
July 11, 2014
It was with a heavy heart that we learned of your Dad's passing. He was truly a great man and we all will miss him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Lee McCormick
July 11, 2014
Best wishes to the whole family - special thoughts for Liz O'Neill during this time of healing, loss, and life-celebration.
Chris and Mary Edmonds
July 11, 2014
Our prayers are with the Carney family. We have many great memories of Jack and the whole Carney clan.
July 11, 2014
I once met Mr. Carney in one of the classes I was teaching at the Delaware Safety Council. He was obviously very proud of his family.
July 11, 2014
OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH THE CARNEY FAMILY NOW AND ALWAYS. JACK WAS MY SUPERVISOR WHEN I WORKED FOR THE CLAYMONT SCHOOL DISTRICT. VERY KIND AND RESPECTFULL PERSON. MAY HE REST WITH THE ANGELS. GOD BLESS.
PAT MUMMERT AND FAMILY
Mary Anderson
July 11, 2014
Dear Carney Family,
I am deeply saddened to hear about Mr. Carney's passing. I have many happy and warm memories of Mr. Carney. I admired him as an outstanding family man, a man of strong faith, a man who gave of himself to help others and of course a golfer. I pray for peace and strength for you as you deal with his loss. God bless you!
Mary Wheeler Anderson
marie massarelli
July 11, 2014
Good people will be remembered as a blessing! Sincerely, Marie A. Massarelli
Marie Socorso
July 11, 2014
My deepest sympathy for your loss, Ann and family. Jack has moved on into even greater love and forever into eternal life. I prayerfully celebrate his life, his outstanding contribution to community, his witness to Love and Life. My prayers and blessings to the Carney family, Marie
Susan Wheeler Phipps
July 11, 2014
Growing up, our family spent several years as neighbors of the Carneys on S. Avon Drive in Ashbourne Hills. What great memories I have of that time and of their wonderful family. My prayers go out to the family for you tremendous loss.
July 11, 2014
Theresa and family, I am sorry for your loss. God Bless. Kevin Monagle
Eileen Lowell (McHugh)
July 11, 2014
What a wonderful life and a wonderful man. To the beautiful family he leaves behind, may God bestow his grace upon you to find peace and healing during this time.
July 11, 2014
I am sorry for the loss of Jack, he had a full and wonderful life.I can only aspire to be like him. Kevin Mullarkey
John DiEleuterio
July 11, 2014
Please accept my deepest sympathy on the passing of your dad Jack. Know that he and your entire family are in my prayers. God Bless you all.
Sonja & Bart Ryan
July 10, 2014
To the Carney Family,
May the road rise to meet you,May the wind be always at your back,May the sun shine warm upon your face,the rains fall soft upon your fields and,until we meet again may God hold you in the palm of his hand.
Felice and Tom Stang
July 10, 2014
We are sorry for your loss. Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers. May he rest in peace.
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