Joseph X. Carney

Joseph X. Carney, 91, of Newton Lake, died Thursday July 30th. His wife, the former Mary Joan McHale, died in 2005.

Born in Carbondale, son of the late Joseph A. and Gertrude H. Judge Carney, he was a graduate of Benjamin Franklin High School, Class of 1947, Carbondale. He was a Veteran of the Pennsylvania National Guard, 109th Infantry Regiment, having served during the Korean War. After the war, Joe attended Temple University, graduating with a degree in Pharmacy. He returned to Carbondale, and worked alongside family as owner and operator of Carney's Drug Store, a fixture on Salem Avenue for 53 years.

Joe's life can best be described in 3 words: Faith, Family and Friends.

Joe was a devout Catholic and long time member of Saint Rose of Lima Church. He served as a lector at 6:30 am mass for many years. Joe and his wife Mary Joan lived out their faith in service to God and one another. Joe was a strong believer in the power of prayer and prayed daily, particularly to Jesus' parents Joseph and Mary, our Blessed Mother. He always asked to be led by the Holy Spirit. They passed their faith down to their family. He enjoyed his conservations about religion and planes with Jack Race.

Joe's greatest pleasure was to be surrounded by family. The Carneys always traveled in "a pack". Joe and Mary Joan were 18 years old when they were introduced by a mutual friend, Millie at Newton Lake Park. She was his soul mate. He called her his Chili Pepper because of her red hair and fiery spirit. Joe and Mary Joan had 9 children (7 living, 2 deceased) but treated everyone as family. Many referred to them as "Mom" and "Dad", particularly Rick, Joe, Mark, Katie and Donna. Anyone who worked or shopped at Carney 's Drug Store  were made to feel like members of their extended family. Joe felt blessed that so many former employees stayed in close contact with him. Joe served as a mentor to so many people. The family continues to hear stories of how he influenced people, even for their career choices.

Joe had many hobbies and interests that brought friends into his life.  His quick wit and dry sense of humor made anyone who met him, instantly love him. During his career, Joe served as a consultant for several nursing homes. He was a former President of the Lackawanna County Pharmaceutical Association, former board member of St. Joseph's (Marion Community) Hospital and the Carbondale Nursing Home. After retirement he was employed by CVS Pharmacy, Carbondale and became a member of the Greenfield Township Volunteer Fire Company.  Joe and Mary Joan loved golfing and were members at Elkview Country Club.  Most recently he enjoyed sitting on his swing at Newton Lake where he had spent many hours boating, fishing, skiing and sailing. His "lake" neighbors are like family and he loved the covered dish get togethers, where he was the life of the party. Joe married an "Archibald girl" and had fond memories of his neighbors on South Main Street. After Mary Joan passed he purchased a red Mini Cooper(Chili Pepper II) and had great outings  with the British Car Club. Joe and Mary Joan hosted many parties at their home on Lincoln Avenue and loved their Carbondale neighbors. They loved to travel and enjoyed "day” trips in his private plane with the Morgans: overseas with the Colemans and trips to Florida with the McHales and Stephens. George Stephens was like a brother that he never had. Joe and Mary Joan took "the kids" in his private plane and influenced Kevin to become a pilot. Their love of music and dance brought them around other circle of friends. Joe met with a choreographer and was able to "perform" dance moves at his "Baby" Megan's wedding.

 Eating out was a big part of his life, especially the local restaurants like the Finch Hill Diner, Crystal Lake Hotel, Crystal Pines and McDonnell's Family Restaurant.  Despite being 91 years old, Joe had more Friends on Facebook than most people and used Social Media to stay in touch with family and friends. His photos and YouTube videos made him the Star of Anthracite Liquidation’s Facebook advertising campaign.

Surviving are seven children: Bob Carney, Carbondale; Joseph Carney, Jr. and wife Cindy, Phoenixville, and their daughter Rachael; Noreene Carney (triplet), Newton Lake; Linda Melnick  and husband Michael, Greenfield Township; Lorna Maurer and husband Paul, Carbondale; and their two daughters: McHala and husband Scott and Victoria  and boyfriend Stephen; and their grandson: Aiden; Kevin Carney and soulmate  Robyn Gordon, Moscow; their children: Morgan, Megan, Madison, Marshal, and Maxwel; Megan Tremback and husband Mark, Mayfield; and their children: Daniel, Jesse, and Evan; and their granddaughter: Ava-Rose; two sisters: Catherine Ann Garvey, Duryea; Claire Loftus, Carbondale; a sister -in -law: Theresa Mc Hale, Florida; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends and neighbors. His beloved pets, Kermit Raphaella, Velvet Josie and Stella will greatly miss him.

He was also preceded in death by his remaining triplets: Mary and Ann Carney.

The funeral will be Monday, August 3rd, with a Mass of Christian  Burial at 11 am in Saint Rose of Lima Church, Carbondale. Upon leaving the Church we plan to have Joe drive by Carney's Drug Store and his cottage at Newton Lake.  The family welcomes anyone to pay their respects as he processes by.  Interment, Our Mother of Sorrows Cemetery, Finch Hill. Due to current public health policy, a private viewing will be held for family. Arrangements by the Brennan & Brennan Funeral Home, Inc., 55 Lincoln Avenue, Carbondale.

Memorial donations may be made to the Greenfield Township Volunteer Fire Company, 424 St. Route 106, Greenfield Township, Pa. 18407; or the Saint Rose Church Tower Fund, 6 North Church Street, Carbondale, Pa. 18407

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