Michael Karney

Michael J. Karney, age 70, a lifelong resident of Horseheads, NY, reposed in the Lord on Monday, June 16, 2025 surrounded by family after more than a yearlong battle with cancer. He was a beloved husband, father, brother, brother-in-law, and uncle, and his presence will be greatly missed. Michael was born on April 7, 1955, the first son of the late Robert and Theresa Karney. He was a 1974 graduate of Horseheads High School and held several certifications from the New York State Fire Academy.
Michael was a faithful Orthodox Christian and member of Holy Trinity Orthodox Church in Elmira Heights, NY. He served on the parish council and was always willing to give of his time and talent for the building up of his parish community.
Mike retired from a second career in the deli at Horseheads Wal-Mart after working many years in the building and maintenance trades for Victory Heights Apartments and the former Albee Truck Inc.
Mike was an avid outdoorsman and loved to fish and hunt. There was no body of water that he could resist fishing in, from the banks of Catherine Creek for more than 60 years of opening day of Trout season, to the Florida Gulf shores where he most recently enjoyed fishing. He took great joy in teaching young and old alike to fish and appreciate the great outdoors. Mike also enjoyed watching baseball – Go Met's! He was a life-long fan of open wheel racing, having attended several US Formula 1 Grand Prixes at Watkins Glen and was elated when the IndyCar series returned to Watkins several years ago. Amongst his accomplishments in life was his service to his community as a former member of the Horseheads Fire Department. He enjoyed coaching CVSA soccer and cheering on his grandchildren with their many academic and athletic endeavors.
He is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 47 years, Nancy Meade Karney; son, Shawn Michael and wife Kathryn Karney, along with their children, Natalie, Emilia, Patrick and Sophia of Horseheads, NY; daughter Sarah Meade and husband Jason Sperry, along with their sons, Jason Jr, Aden, Shea, Jack and Oliver of Greene, NY. His brother Charles (Sheila) Karney of Big Flats, NY, sister Karen (Steve) Dibling of Athens, GA, sister Marylou Stead of Corning, NY, and sister Cindy (Marty) Sambroski of Elmira, NY; brother and sister-in-law, William and Lori Meade of Bookelia, FL, with whom Mike and Nancy wintered in retirement, along with many beloved nieces, nephews and fishing buddies. Mike was always his happiest when surrounded by his family, especially his Grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by His parents, Robert and Theresa, his beloved father and mother-in-law, William and Evelyn Meade; along with brother-in-law, Wesley Stead.
A viewing will be held at Holy Trinity Orthodox Church, 139 Horseheads Blvd., Elmira Heights, NY on Friday, June 20, 2025 from 5PM-7PM with a Panikhida (Memorial) Service to follow at 7PM. The Funeral for an Orthodox Christian will be served at 10AM on Saturday, June 21, 2025. Burial will be at Holy Trinity Orthodox Church Cemetery, Legion Road, Elmira Heights, NY. The Very Reverend Archpriest David Cowan will celebrate assisted by Michael and Nancy's son, the Reverend Deacon Shawn Michael Karney.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Holy Trinity Orthodox Church in memory of Michael.
The family asks for the prayers of all and that the kingdom of Heaven be Michael's. May his memory be eternal!