Robert W. Carney

SCHENECTADY - Robert W. “Bob” Carney, 87 passed away on Friday, March 15, 2024, at the Baptist Nursing Home following a short illness. He attended Draper High School before joining the construction workforce. Bob quickly became a Labor Foreman for DePoalo and Son General Contractors, where he worked tirelessly for over 30 years, “retiring” in 2002. Immediately after retiring he began working at Cuomo Country Pools with his nephew Gary to “show the younger generation how to pour 30 yards of concrete in one day”. In his younger years, Bob was one of the area’s best athletes. He, along with bowling team members Frank DePalma and Harry Polomaine set American Bowling Congress National records in three consecutive years from 1968-1970. Together they also won the Schenectady Classic League Championship 6 times from 1967-1977. On his own, Bob won the Elmer Ciccione Memorial Pro-Am tournament at Sportsman’s Bowl in 1970 collecting a first prize check of $1,000 and a 6 foot trophy to boot. Also, during the ‘50’s, 60’s and 70’s, Bob was one of the areas premier fast-pitch softball pitchers, beginning his career in 1957 at the Country Inn Softball League, where regular season, Saturday night games would draw 2,000 – 2,500 spectators. Bob won league MVP multiple times, threw 3 NO-HITTERS and his team of Wedekind Motors won 5 League Championships. Bob finished his career at Sportsman’s Park on Crane St. well into the 1970’s before handing the baton off to younger brother Rit. Later in life Bob picked up the game of golf where he joined the “300 Golf League” to play with his son, Rob and brother Rit. Bob’s high handicap earned him “sandbagger” status as he often won skins money from the “better” golfers in the league. A status he relished throughout his short career. Bob, never one to sit still, began a post-retirement career of delivering flowers for Frank Gallo Florist. Bob so loved the floral bouquets he delivered that he began gardening at home and showing off his multi-colored Hydrangeas to anyone who would stop by earning him the neighborhood nickname “Bobby Flowers”. In his final job Bob was happy to assist Mickey Valletta and the wonderful staff at Towne TV on Carman Rd.  In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his siblings, William “Bill” Carney and Kathleen (Carney) Cuomo.

Bob is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Rosemarie (Riggi) Carney. The couple met at Rollerama on Hamburg Street in 1958 and married on September 11, 1959. Bob is also survived by his children; Robert (Cheryl) Carney, Karen Dunn and Randi (AnnMarie) Carney; his 4 cherished grandchildren, all of whom he was so proud of, Patrick and Megan Dunn, and Aliana and Alexa Carney; his siblings, Richard (Cathy) Carney, and Cynthia (Jim) Schlegel, and many nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, March 21st from 8:30 – 10:30 am at the DeMarco -Stone Funeral Home; 1605 Helderberg Avenue, Rotterdam. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11:00 AM at St. Paul the Apostle Church, Albany Street, Schenectady, followed by interment in St. Anthony’s Cemetery in Glenville. Memorial contributions can be made to the American Lung Association at Lung.org. Condolences can be posted at demarcostonefuneralhome.com