Obituaries
Gary Carney
Died: Jun 19, 2020
Gary R. Carney passed away peacefully on June 19, 2020 at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital (due to complications from heart failure). Gary was 82 and a community fixture in Putnam Valley, N.Y., where he lived with Doris, his wife of 58 years, since 1969. Born in the Bronx on June 8, 1938, Gary earned a bachelor’s degree from City College of New York and then earned his MBA from NYU and a J.D. from Fordham University both while working full-time and raising three children with Doris. A tax specialist, Gary spent the majority of a fulfilling career at IBM, where he rose to Director of Taxes.
Gary was very active in the Grace United Methodist Church in Putnam Valley, where he held various administrative positions. He was also the co-founder of the Putnam Valley Food Pantry, which feeds dozens of needy families every week. He never missed a New York Giants football game.
Gary was a true extrovert and liked nothing more than a dry gin martini with a twist surrounded by family and friends during cocktail hour. He was a loyal friend to many and generous of his time and his money. He loved to travel the world and also to sit on the sidelines cheering on his kids and grandkids in their various sports -- always ready to offer them “a few suggestions.” His warmth and humor will be dearly missed.
A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, his family was the most important thing in his life. He is predeceased by his parents, Tom and Stella Carney, and his brother Tom. He is
survived by his wife Doris, children Gary Carney (and wife Bonnie), daughter Lisa Carney Eldridge (and husband David), and daughter Andrea Longden (and husband Michael), eight grandchildren -- Scott & Megan Carney, Kate, Bethany & Jamie Eldridge, and Emma, Jack & Maddy Longden. He is also survived by his beloved sister Janice Vanek (and husband Charlie) and many nieces and nephews.
Gary placed a high priority on education, community engagement, and helping young people. In that spirit, the family will be setting up a Gary Carney Memorial scholarship or “the Big G” Senior Award at Putnam Valley High School. In lieu of flowers, we welcome donations of any size to that fund, which can be sent by check to: Doris Carney, 93 West Shore Drive, Putnam Valley, NY 10579 or may be made by Venmo to Lisa Carney Eldridge @LIsa-Eldridge-4 Please note on either that it is for the “Gary Carney Memorial Fund.”
Celebration of Gary’s LIfe:
Due to COVID restrictions, a celebration of life/memorial service will be held for Gary at a future date when we can freely be together again.
For family and close friends there will be a visitation at Heritage Funeral Home, 35 Morrissey Drive, Putnam Valley on Monday, June 22, 2020, from 10 am - 12 pm. Masks are required and social distancing will be followed inside and outside the funeral home. As hard as it is, we ask that people refrain from hugging and touching people outside of their immediate family. Our Mom’s health and that of our friends and family is paramount to us.
A private funeral service will be held at 12 pm with interment directly after at Rose Hills Memorial Park.
