Richard "Dick" Gordon Carney, Ret. HFD, a lifelong resident of Hamden, CT, beloved husband of 66 years to Patricia Louise (Thibeault) Carney, passed away on April 2, 2026 at Connecticut Hospice. Richard was born in Hamden on October 31, 1934, a son of the late Thomas and Caroline (Fields) Carney.

Richard leaves behind his wife Patricia, and his daughters, Janet Reilly (Rob) and Nancy Daley (Mark), both of Hamden, and Susan Jannitto (Jeff) of South Yarmouth, MA. He was predeceased by his brothers, Thomas and Robert Carney. Richard is also survived by his seven grandchildren, Kelly (John), Janie (Greg), Shana (Travis), Katie, Jeffery (Johnna), Morgan (Chris), and Jack, and great-grandchildren, Madelyn, McKenna and McKinley.

Dick's life mission and passion was to serve others, as was exhibited by his perilous work as a Hamden Firefighter for over 33 years, his service in the Army during the Korean Conflict, his years as a Jaycee and youth coach, and his genuine concern for family, friends, neighbors and strangers alike. Whenever someone was in need of help, Dick was selflessly omnipresent. While he and Pat enjoyed trips to Europe, numerous cruises, and annual vacations in Florida, he remained mostly behind in Hamden to support his children and grandchildren and seemingly never missed a sporting event, recital, play or special school-related occasion. His Halloween Birthdays were always so special – trips to the casino for the slots and the buffet were an annual fun-filled outing which always included the entire family. During those special days, Dick would always wear his favorite "bat hat," emblematic of his tremendous sense of humor. He was loved by so many and will be so deeply missed.

Friends may visit with his family on Friday, April 10th from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Beecher & Bennett Funeral Home, 2300 Whitney Ave., Hamden, and may attend his funeral on Saturday from the funeral home at 9:00 a.m. to process to his Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 at St. Paul VI Parish/St. Rita Church, 1620 Whitney Ave., Hamden. Burial with Military Honors will follow in Beaverdale Memorial Park, New Haven. Contributions in Dick's memory may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at www.stjude.org . To send a condolence to his family, please see: www.beecherandbennett.com.