William "Bill" Carney

William "Bill" Martin Carney passed away on December 11, 2024, after a stay at the VA Rehab and then VA Hospice in West Palm Beach, Florida.
Bill was born in New York City, NY on February 3, 1942, the youngest of five children born to Patrick J. Carney, Sr. and Nora (Coyne) Carney, immigrants from County Galway, Ireland. Bill was raised on the Upper West Side of Manhattan in Saint Gregory the Great parish and graduated from Cardinal Hayes High School in 1959. In 1969, Bill married his long-time love, Helen Gallivan Carney, to whom he had been married for 55 years and with whom he had four wonderful children.
He obtained a bachelor's degree from Saint John's University in Collegeville, Minnesota (1966) initiating his life-long loyalty to St. John's University. After graduation, Bill volunteered for the US Army and became an Infantry Officer. Of course, that meant a year in Vietnam. He never forgot the young men and officers with whom he served and believed that his time serving in Vietnam was a life-affirming experience for which he received decorations and medals, including the Bronze Star. On returning from Vietnam, Bill went on to serve in the Army Reserves in New York and then in Florida before his separation from the service.
After a short stint in the business world, Bill found his calling as a teacher and coach. He first served at St. Agnes High School in Manhattan (1970-1973), then at Mount St. Michael High School in the Bronx (1973-1977), and finally at St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida (1977-1988). After this, he became involved in event management with the highlight being the 1996 Paralympic Games in Atlanta, GA.
He is survived by his wife Helen Gallivan Carney; son Patrick (Niki); son Kieran (Meghan); daughter Joan (Scott); daughter Christine; and grandchildren: Riley, Liam, Connor, Declan, Kieran, Madalyn, Lochlan, and Conan; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, former students, coaches and colleagues.
Bill is predeceased by his parents and siblings: Msgr. Pat, Michael, Mary and Thomas.
The Carney family is especially grateful to Dr. Sonia Madera for her loving care provided at the end of Bill's life, to the staff of the VA CLC, and Hospice Facility in West Palm Beach.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Bill's name to STA Bill Carney Courage Award at www.aquinas-sta.org/giving/annual-fund/billcarney