US Navy veteran
MELROSE — We know that we were lucky to have him for as long as we did. Nevertheless, the family of Bill Carney sadly announces his peaceful passing on Wednesday, October 29 at the age of 93.
Bill was raised in Hyde Park, as the youngest of five. After graduating from Hyde Park HS, Bill furthered his education at Boston College. Prior to attending BC, he proudly served in the United States Navy. A life-long learner, Bill continued his education and received a Master’s Degree from Salem State. After graduating from BC, Bill landed a “big job at the Phone”. He spent much of his career in Human Resources, ultimately ending his thirty-year tenure as the Director of Employment.
Above all else, faith and family were his commitments. He thrived on all things family and spent most of his time following or participating in whatever his children and grandchildren were doing. Bill was generally a quiet and reserved man, but he also had a quick wit and a great sense of humor. Bill met most jokes with his characteristic, knowing smirk rather than out-loud laughter. He was a great listener, exceedingly kind, patient and an elegant man. He loved summers in Scituate; winters in Marco Island; all things BC, especially BC Football; golfing and laughing with cherished friends at Green Harbor; spending time with his grandchildren and, of course, a good crossword puzzle.
A man of strong principles, Bill believed in standing up for those who could not speak for themselves and was steadfast in seeing the best in others. It’s been said that the true measure of a man is the degree to which he positively impacted the lives of others. This is an area where Bill quietly shined. Whether he was your friend, confidante, mentor or cheerleader, so many that he touched are better off for having known him. He will be fondly remembered and missed by many.
Bill is survived by his best friend and wife of 66 years Carol. He also leaves a family he loved deeply: Cathy Carney, Maura and Rick Conlan, Dan and Amy Carney, Peggy and Shawn Murphy all of Melrose and Bill and Heidi Carney of Methuen. He is also survived by his 12 grandchildren and their partners: Matthew (and wife Kara), Conor, Kerry (and husband Michael), Sean, Ryan (and fiancé Becky), Liam, Patrick, Kevin, Maeve, Meagan, Katherine and Fiona. He also leaves two great-grandchildren: Madeline and Callie.
The family celebrated Bill during visiting hours at Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St., Melrose on Wednesday, November 5 from 4 to 8 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Thursday, November 6 at 10 a.m. at Incarnation Parish, 425 Upham St., Melrose. Interment followed the Mass at Wyoming Cemetery, 205 Sylvan St., Melrose. Relatives and friends were respectfully invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, donations were made in Bill’s memory to one of two charities that were near to his heart: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, stjude.org or to Abby’s House, abbyshouse.org, Abby Kelley Foster House, Inc. in Worcester. To leave a message of condolence, please visit gatelyfh.com.