Gerald Francis Carney

Gerald Francis Carney, age 93, of York, PA and a former 50-year resident of Wilton, CT passed away on Tuesday, November 18, 2025 at Misericordia Nursing & Rehabilitation Center.

Born in Waltham, Massachusetts on July 26, 1932 to the late Louis and Mary Esther (Cahill) Carney, he was the beloved husband of Diane (Shats) Carney for 69 years and a loving and devoted father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

Jerry graduated from Northeastern University and went on to earn his MBA from Adelphi University. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. After his return, he held an executive position with Farrington Electronics and then began a 30-year career at the JCPenney Company, where he retired as Corporate Director of Purchasing. During those years he was admired by his colleagues as a mentor and friend. After retirement, unable to abandon his work ethic, he established and operated a commuter coffee and newspaper business at multiple Fairfield County CT. railroad stations.

During his years in Wilton, Jerry enjoyed tennis and swimming and was a member of the Weston Field Club and the New York Athletic Club. He was also an active member of the Wilton Kiwanis Club and served as the social chairman. He was especially enthusiastic to plan and emcee the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the club. A lover of opera, music and the arts he was a strong supporter and patron of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

At Sacred Heart Church in Georgetown, CT he was a lay board member, lector and Sunday School teacher. At St. Patrick’s Cathedral in NYC, he was a lector for many years.

Jerry was a man of character—kind, generous and compassionate. His road map was the scriptures; his passion was his family. Blessed with a keen intellect, he was warm and engaging in everyday encounters, lifting lives with his natural charm, ever-present wit and worldly wisdom. For over three decades, he dispensed that wisdom from the front porch of the house in Cape May, NJ where the entire family vacationed and benefited from his treasured collection of stories and jokes. Even late in life, Jerry remained curious, always absorbing the news on technology, business, and politics to better inform his advice to the next generation.

His optimistic spirit will live on through his wife and dance partner Diane, his daughters, Leslie Johnston (and husband William), Allison Prince (and husband Mitchell), and Courtney Carney; grandchildren Jessica Taticchi (and husband Mark), Meredith and Abigail Johnston and Haley and Christian Prince and great-grandchildren Carter, Ava and Kennedy Taticchi. He is also survived by his brother Donald and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Robert and Louis and sister Ellen Cahill.

A mass of Christian burial will be held at 10 A.M. Saturday, December 13, 2025 at St. Patrick Church, 219 S Beaver St, York with Fr. Kashif officiating the service. Prior to the service a visitation will be held at the church from 9-10 A.M. The service will be livestreamed and can be viewed by searching Gerald’s obituary at HeffnerCare.com. A reception at Heritage Hills Golf Resort, 2700 Mt. Rose Avenue, York, will follow the funeral mass. Heffner Funeral Chapel and Crematory Inc., 1551 Kenneth Rd., York is in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Gerald F. Carney may be made to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center PO Box 27106 New York, NY 10087-7106.