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John Carney Obituary
Cambridge - John F. Carney III, former chancellor of the Missouri University of Science and Technology and innovator in highway safety engineering, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 24 at his home in Cambridge due to complications relating to Multiple Myeloma.
Born in 1941 in Lowell, MA to John F. Carney, Jr. and Frances (Sharkey) Carney, he is predeceased by his wife of 45 years, Patricia Reynolds Carney. He is survived by daughters Anna Carney Goering and Catherine Carney; grandchildren Andrew Goering, Catriona Goering, Leo Pogozelski and Nicolas Pogozelski; sister Judith Goodwin and beloved partner Sarah Adams.
Carney pioneered research in impact mechanics and held 10 patents. He was an international expert on attenuation devices that reduce the impact of traffic accidents on highways. Today, devices he designed and developed, known as crash cushions, line highways in the United States and many other countries around the world.
Carney received his bachelor's degree in civil engineering from Merrimack College in 1963. He received a masters degree in 1964 and a Ph.D. in 1966 in civil engineering from Northwestern University. He taught at the University of Connecticut, Auburn University and Vanderbilt University before becoming provost and vice president for academic affairs at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Carney was chancellor of Missouri University of Science and Technology from 2005 to 2011.
Carney was a lifelong athlete and was happiest when he was outside playing baseball, basketball, tennis, running, or playing golf. He loved spending time at the beach with his family and friends at his home in Falmouth, MA. He brought a love of life, humor and kindness to all of his endeavors. He will be sorely missed.
The family will be holding a private memorial service. In lieu of flowers please send donations in his honor to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation https://tribute.themmrf.org/jfc3.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Carney
Karthik Krishnamurthy
October 21, 2022
Professor Carney changed the trajectory of my career many decades ago - sending me to Stanford on the power of his recommendation. As I grappled with choices - he offered gentle and kind wisdom. In times of trouble, he made the calls to get me well situated at Vanderbilt. And all of this he did quietly - with no attention drawn to his leadership and support. In life, there are often just a few people who through their support and actions change lives. Professor Carney changed mine. And I am sure there are many, many more whose lives he fundamentally transformed - in his usual unassuming manner. Thank you Professor Carney - until we meet again in another world :)
Khalid Saeed
April 19, 2021
Jack will always live in our hearts. He is probably making the good place better.
Malcolm Ray
May 9, 2019
Jack was a dear friend, PhD advisor, colleague and mentor. Jack was the epitome of a gentleman. Always kind and thoughtful and a man of great integrity. Jack lured me away from the corporate research world to pursue my PhD at Vanderbilt. We collaborated on many projects there and continued for many years after I left. Years later he recruited me to come to WPI when he was Provost. We have missed his quiet leadership and integrity in the highway safety field and his cheerful companionship. God blessed us with you Jack, you lived well.
Peekay Basu
May 3, 2019
It was at my dear friend Jack's urging that I I decided to leave Washington University and join Vanderbilt University. He was the best colleague I ever had during my long teaching career. Everybody looked up to him and he fully lived up to it with great wisdom, unusual wit, unfettered honesty and unusual grace. He was loved by everybody coming in contact with him as a wonderful human being. We are deeply saddened by his sudden departure for the heavenly abode leaving his friends and admirers saddened and his family heartbroken.
May 1, 2019
I remember John when I was growing up on Blossom St. in Lowell. He was such a nice guy then back in those days. He treated us younger boys with such respect and kindness. I am not surprised he turned out to be such a great person.
RIP John
Don McMahon
Ralph Mansell
April 29, 2019
I worked at the University of Connecticut as an athletic trainer for the varsity athletes. I knew Jack form the 100's of basketball games we played wagainst and with each other at lunch time. Jack was a good player but better person. He will be sorely missed by all that knew him.
April 29, 2019
I had the considerable good fortune to work for Jack from 1997 until he left WPI. As an administrator he was simply the best I ever worked for.
As a person and member of the community he was always the right person for any situation. Highly personable, compassionate, great educator, innovative engineer, and someone who inspired you to work hard in special ways.
Thank you, Jack.
John Goulet
WPI
April 28, 2019
I'm so sorry for your loss. My deepest condolences to the family. When we lose someone we love, the pain and grief can seem unbearable. But trust in the God of comfort, he will make you strong and give you peace at this difficult time. Numbers 6:26
Homer Walker
April 28, 2019
As provost, Jack brought me to WPI in 1997. We worked together for over five years while I was department head of Mathematical Sciences. He was an ideal boss: always straightforward and helpful, never adversarial, totally unflappable, unfailingly reasonable, and respectful and considerate to all. Although I saw him only a few times after he left WPI, I will always remember his friendship. I extend my deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences to his family.
Ken Stafford
April 28, 2019
A gracious and wonderful WPI Provost. I could never say no to Jack.
Karen Michalczyk
April 28, 2019
Safely Home
I am home in Heaven, dear ones, Oh, so happy and so bright!
There is perfect joy and beauty in His everlasting light.
All the pain and grief is over, every restless tossing passed;
I am now at peace forever, safely home in Heaven at last.
Did you wonder I so calmly trod the valley of the shade?
Oh! but Jesus' love illuminated every dark and fearful glade.
And He came Himself to meet me in that way so hard to tread,
and with Jesus' arm to lean on, could I have one doubt or dread?
Then you must not grieve so sorely, for I love you dearly still,
try to look beyond Earth's shadows, pray to trust Our Father's will.
There is work still waiting for you, so you must not idly stand;
do it now, while life remainethyou shall rest in Jesus' land.
When that work is all completed, He will gently call you home;
Oh, the rapture of that meeting, Oh, the joy to see you come!
Author Unknown
Very sad news this Sunday morning of my Uncle Jack Carney passing. My sincere condolences to the rest of the family. God Bless the Carney and Reynolds families during this sad and very difficult time. Rest in Peace Uncle Jack you are now with your wife and my Aunt Pat and family.
April 27, 2019
I am so sorry for your loss; please accept my deepest condolences in this difficult time of sorrow and may you find comfort knowing that all those who fall asleep in death are in God's memory (Psalms 116:15). My sincere regards, ~MM~
Helene Pierce
April 26, 2019
Jack was so very kind - and we are saddened by your loss. To his family, thank you for sharing him with so many and know that he was appreciated, respected, and cared for - and oh so many are better for having known him. May you find comfort - Jack and all of you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Maura (Carney) Linskey
April 26, 2019
So sad to hear of cousin John's passing. Our most sincere condolences to the rest of the family. May he rest in peace.
Joan Nesbitt
April 26, 2019
This news hit hard this morning. It is because of Jack I have the privilege of working for Missouri S&T, a school he indelibly changed and improved. I had the pleasure and good fortune of seeing Jack several times after he retired from Rolla. I will miss hearing his Boston brogue on the other end of the phone. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and Sarah. We have lost such a good man.
Lance Schachterle
April 26, 2019
Melissa and I are so saddened by this news. I enjoyed working with Jack in the Provost's office at WPI. He was all that you would want in an administrator--fair, clear, effective. But he was all you would want in a person too, warm, caring, humorous, very approachable (especially if you liked the Red Sox.) He never got upset; he always calmed those who did.
Though he has been away from WPI for a decade or more, I sorely miss his presence and send all his family and friends my cordial greetings as we honor his life and career.
April 26, 2019
So sad to hear of Jack's passing. He hired me to WPI. I ran into Deb last Wednesday and I we talked about Jack. She said he was doing fine. Working with Jack was the best part of my experience at WPI. Wonderful man, intent listener, compassionate, good humored and friendly all at at the same time. I did not see him much but the thought of his being around was comforting. Enjoy the good place Jack.
Khalid
Khalid Saeed
Professor of Economics and System Dynamics
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
April 26, 2019
To the family I offer my condolences. May it help to know that the God of all comfort cares about the loss you feel at this time.
1 Peter 5:6,7
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