Obituary of Thomas Brian Carney
Thomas “Brian” Carney, 65, died peacefully in his home in Fort Worth, TX, on Monday, May 3, 2021, surrounded by his loving wife and daughter.
Brian was born in Joliet, IL, to John Francis Carney, MD, and Patricia Rose Cleary Carney. He attended St. Paul the Apostle School in Joliet and went on to graduate from Joliet Catholic High School, followed by earning his B.A. in Business Administration from Texas Christian University in Fort Worth.
Early in his career, he worked in the insurance industry, serving others by taking on claim assignments in storm-ravaged regions of the country. He also started a roof inspection business, and his customers appreciated his thorough reports. He later entered early retirement due to a life-altering physical disability. Even so, he courageously soldiered on to make significant contributions to his church community and, moreover, through his far-reaching personal ministry by sharing his unwavering faith in Christ. Despite his physical limitations, his daily devotions and disciplined study of Scripture lifted him. He participated in and led men’s Bible study groups for many years. He leaned not on the empty allure of worldly promises but on the eternal assurance and spiritual comfort found in the Bible. His favorite verse was, Ephesians 2:8-9 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith, and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-not by works so that no one can boast.”
Brian was a loving husband and a fun, devoted father. He married Darena Broderius Carney on November 10, 1990, and in 1995, the couple welcomed into the world their daughter, Brenna.
Together, the family enjoyed binge watching The Twilight Zone, laughing by a warm fire, and attending church together. In Brenna’s younger years, the family loved taking walks by the park, flying kites, and building forts. Brian played whatever games Brenna wished to play, whether it be Barbies, tea party, or doctor. He thoroughly enjoyed these moments and found great joy spending time with Brenna.
Brian often could be found reading a good book, teasing the family cats (who absolutely adored him) or doing yard work, which he found very therapeutic. Collecting firewood was also one of his many hobbies. He loved spending quality time with his family, from watching sports to reminiscing about his childhood. He enjoyed following professional tennis, especially the Grand Slam events. He was a loyal TCU Horned Frog, and he enjoyed the football program’s success in recent years. Every fall he loved watching college football as well as his beloved Green Bay Packers. Every spring he, along with Darena and Brenna, delighted in participating in the annual Carney March Madness Pool. Brian also was an amazing storyteller, and Brenna’s friends would often beg him to tell stories from his younger days.
Some of their favorite memories of Brian include how he made a point to always say goodbye whenever Brenna left the house, hearing his loud cheers for Brenna at swim meets, and leading the family in prayer. From the little things to the big things, he always made sure the family was safe and secure.
His pride in and hopes for Brenna energized him, and he was the source of her inspiration and drive to cross the finish line for a Master of Social Work from his beloved TCU just five days after his passing.
He also was a loyal friend. In the presence of his Joliet Catholic High School friends, he always felt at ease. He derived great joy from attending the Hillmen Retreats, where he and his friends enjoyed reminiscing the antics of their past while also embracing the joy of the present. Their gatherings celebrated true fellowship, enduring love, and life-giving laughter. He also valued and maintained many childhood friendships from bygone days in Timberline and at Oakwood in Joliet.
Among his nieces and nephews, he was an endearing character who amused them with random observations and odd inquiries. Any time they were together with Brian, he would press them to answer, “Who is your favorite uncle?” and he was unrelenting until they answered, “You, Uncle Bri, you!”
Among his five brothers, Brian will be fondly remembered for his athleticism, humor, brotherly love…and Cheez-Its. He was both an accomplished swimmer and tennis player, though tennis would become the sport in which he excelled. He won several district titles in high school and he competed in the Illinois State High School Tennis Tournament. He also coordinated the annual Will County Tennis Tournament in the mid and late 1970s.
His sense of humor was unique to Brian and often perplexed some who did not know him well. Attempts to explain his humor to others proved futile and usually ended with, “You had to be there” or “Never mind.” He had mastered the call of the peacock and gladly impersonated childhood babysitters on demand. He was known for instigating controversy involving petty inconsistencies in television and film, in particular The Andy Griffith Show and It’s a Wonderful Life. Any binge-worthy television event always included a box – or two - of Cheez-Its in his lap. He was a self-proclaimed connoisseur of Cheez-Its, and despite the array of new flavors, he never strayed from his preference for the original flavor.
His brothers’ fondest memories of Brian harken back to their childhood home in Timberline, for it was there that the six of them explored, discovered, imagined, played, competed, and fought in defense of toys, space, self, and each other. Whether it was jumping in leaves beneath the covered bridge in autumn, celebrating Christmas beside the kitchen hearth, eating his Dad’s burgers on summer Sundays, or chasing fireflies at dusk, Brian brought joy, curiosity, and laughter into his brothers’ lives. He enjoyed playing basketball with his brothers on their family court where he never committed a foul. On their annual fishing trip to Canada, Brian infused his characteristic humor into every adventure and expedition. He was, at his core, an explorer and a seeker who always wondered “what if?” Though this band of brothers has been broken, it is unified by faith, love, and memories of dear Brian.
Brian is survived by his wife of 30 years, Darena Broderius Carney; his daughter, Brenna Lauren Carney, MSW; his brothers, John Michael Carney, MD, of Little Rock, AR, Patrick (Deborah) Carney, MD, of Medina, MN, Paul Carney of Underwood, MN, James (Susan) Carney, DDS, of Naperville, IL, and the Honorable Thomas (Anne) Carney of Joliet, IL.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John Francis Carney, MD, and Patricia Rose Cleary Carney.
The family would like to thank the friends and extended family who have shared their prayers, support, and love. The family extends special thanks to the caring, capable professionals from Vitas Hospice of Fort Worth for providing support and comfort to Brian and his family.
In Texas, a Memorial Service for Brian was held Friday, May 21, 2021 at 3:00 p.m. at Christ Chapel Bible Church, 3701 Birchman Ave, Fort Worth, TX.
In Joliet, visitation and a celebration of Brian's Christian life will be held Monday, June 7, 2021 from 9:00 until the time of a memorial service at10:30 a.m., at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Road, (at Essington Road), Joliet. A burial service will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park, Joliet.
Immediately following the burial, friends are invited to join the family for lunch and storytelling at Al's Steakhouse.
For more information, call 815-741-5500 or visit www.fredcdames.com where you may leave an online condolence or share a favorite memory or story.
