Rensselaer- Thomas Edward Carney, Sr., age 84, passed away Sunday, July 25, 2021 at home. He was born in Albany to the late James and Shirley Carney. He was a lifelong resident of the City of Rensselaer and attended St. John’s Academy. He entered the US Navy and then served as a Paratrooper in Panama with the US Army. After the military, Tom worked at BT Babbits, then became self-employed establishing Rensselaer Disposal. He was a member of the Gerald O’Neil American Legion Post #1683 and Local 201 District Council 9. Tom was known for his great sense of humor, his charming, yet witty personality but mostly for his kindhearted and honest demeanor. He had the best hair and the most beautiful blue eyes. He was an avid coin collector, and his greatest joy was his family. Tom married the love of his life, Gail Ann LaPorta on Dec. 3, 1960 and together they had three boys, Thomas Edward Carney, Jr. (Catherine Bissaillon), Patrick James Carney (Lisa Carioto) and the late Joseph Patrick Carney. He was the brother of James Carney, Jr. and the late William Carney, Patricia Bussey, Mary Carney and Richard Carney. He is also survived by 9 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Funeral will be held at the W.J. Lyons Jr. Funeral Home, 1700 Washington Avenue Rensselaer, Monday, Aug. 2, 2021 at 12 PM. Relatives and friends are invited and may call prior to the service from 10AM-12 PM. Interment will be in Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Schuylerville. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Cynthia Carlyn, Dr. Robin Hampton and Dr. Vimala Thalody and their staff at the Stratton VA Medical Center for the compassionate care given to Tom. Contributions in Tom’s memory may be made to Rensselaer County Community Hospice 295 Valley View Blvd. Rensselaer, NY 12144.