Michael Joseph Carney, a long time Wilton resident, passed away Sunday, September 3. He was born on May 14, 1948, in Troy, NY. Graduating from Troy High in 1966, he entered SUNY, Oneonta where he met his future wife, Diane Lillie, and they married in August 1970. He soon landed a job teaching 5th grade in the Saratoga Springs Central School district.

Mike was drafted into the US Army in February 1971. With the help of the GI Bill, he received his Master's degree and returned to Saratoga to spend the next 34 years in the classroom.

Mike retired in 2005 and the following year he began the next phase of his life - volunteering at the NYS Military Museum on Lake Avenue.

Mike LOVED playing ball. He played all the way through high school, college, winning the SUNY baseball championship in his sophomore year, and was even chosen to play for Fort Riley's Big Red One softball team, where he played in tournaments throughout the Midwest. Mike enjoyed many things in life but at the top of his list were coaching his sons in soccer and Little League, Penn State wrestling, Italian food, travel, laughing and playing with his granddaughters, the Andy Griffith show, monster movies, dancing to the oldies, ABBA, Irish music, and all things Christmas. Whenever asked how he was doing he would always answer "Never Better".

Preceding Mike in death are his parents, Joe and Dodie Carney of Troy, NY; and a sister-in-law, Yoko Lillie of Tacoma, WA.

He is survived by his wife Diane of 53 years; two sons, Chris (Tracy) of Red Hook, NY, and Tim of Wilton; two granddaughters, Abigail and Jane also of Red Hook; a brother, Bill (Patti) Carney  of Hillsdale, NY; a sister Carol (Barry) Sanders of Loudonville, NY; a brother-in-law Richard Lillie of Washington state; a sister-in-law Lisa Davies, of Endwell, NY; 3 nieces; and a nephew; and many cousins.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Friends of the Military Museum 61 Lake Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY.

Relatives and friends may call from 2:00pm – 5:00pm on Saturday, September 9, 2023, at William J. Burke & Sons, 628 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

Per Mike's wishes there will be no funeral service.

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.