Edward R Carney

Edward R. Carney, 87, formerly of Girard, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Monday, February 13, 2012 at the Omni Manor Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center in Youngstown. He was born June 23, 1924 in Campbell, OH to the late Michael and Florence (Grimm) Carney, "Ed" was the 6th of 13 children. Carney attended Campbell Memorial High School, earning his G.E.D. after returning home from World War 11. Prior to enlisting in the service, he was a member of the Civilian Conservation Corps, a New Deal work program designed to help young men find work during the Great Depression. He served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps "Spearhead" 5th Marine Division and was a survivor of the fiercely fought battle of Iwo Jima. Later, he was part of the occupying forces in Hiroshima in the aftermath of the atomic bomb. Ed re-enlisted and served in the U.S. Navy Seabees during the Korean War and in addition to his regular duties was a disc jockey for the Armed Forces Radio Network in Trinidad. In the years following his military service Carney was a successful self-employed businessman. He owned and operated the Starr Realty real estate agency in Girard, OH for 38 years. After "Black Monday" in 1977, when the Youngstown-area real estate market began its long decline, Carney shifted his focus and developed a small T-shirt printing operation into a popular local sporting goods distributor, Top Pro Sports, which he would ultimately sell upon his retirement. Carney had a passion for sports and the outdoors. He was involved in local athletics, with Starr Realty sponsoring several Girard bowling, and Girard Kiwanis Little League baseball teams which he coached as well. As part of the Carney Maiorana Athletic Club, Ed trained a number of Golden Glove Boxing champions. He was a popular ring announcer for a number of years, calling local amateur and pro fights featuring future world champions. He enjoyed hunting, fishing for Walleye and Muskie, and played golf for many years. Always fit, Ed was well known for his daily walks around Girard and was a passionate gardener in his later years. Additionally, Mr. Carney was a strong community leader, serving as a member of the Girard Chamber of Commerce and the Trumbull County Planning Commission. He was a founding member and Vice President of the Girard Historical Society, leading the effort to secure the Barnhisel House on State Street in Girard, now the organization's museum. He was Vice President of Girard P.T.A. Council, President of the Girard Kiwanis Club and Lieutenant Governor for the 25th Ohio Kiwanis Division. He was a scripture reader at St. Rose Church for several years, where he also taught C.C.D. Carney was also active in local politics. He was elected First Vice Chairman of the Trumbull County Democratic Party and served on its Central and Executive Committees. He actively campaigned on behalf of his brother, former Ohio State Senator and U.S. Congressman Charles J. Carney. A devout family man, he is survived by his wife of 50 years, Carelyn (Kvesich) originally of Warren, his children Christopher (Cindy) of Perkasie, PA, Karen Rowbottom of Cortland, Marie (Robert) Hossfeld of Burnet, TX, grandchildren, Olivia and Victoria Carney, Soloman and Michal Gunyula, Lincoln Hossfeld, Nathaniel and Benjamin Sunshine, brother Gerard of Lowellville, and sister Florence of Youngstown. Preceded in death were his sisters, Joann and Josephine Carney, Betty D'Alessandro, Catherine DeSantis, Mary Spezio, and brothers, Charles, John, Michael, Patrick, and Robert Carney. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday February 17th, 9:30 AM, at St. Rose Church in Girard. The family will receive relatives and friends on Thursday from 5-7 PM at the Blackstone Funeral Home in Girard. Interment will take place at Pineview Cemetery with military honors. In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made in Edward's name to the Alzheimer's Association at www.alz.org or through the family. Visit www.blackstonesfh.com to view this obituary and send condolences to the Carney family.