Christopher B. Carney

FRANKFORT - Christopher B. Carney, age 59, of Frankfort, New York, passed away tragically unexpectedly in an ATV accident on Southside Road in Frankfort early on Monday morning, July 21st, 2025. Born on March 13, 1966, and raised in Frankfort, Chris was a lifelong resident of the Mohawk Valley.

Chris was a proud graduate of Frankfort-Schuyler Central School and spent much of his career doing what he loved—creating delicious Italian food for his family and neighborhood. He worked at the family-run business Riverside Dairy on Southside Road, running the store with his grandmother, Ann Nicastro Carney. Thereafter, he worked with his uncle Joe Carney at Carney’s Corners of Herkimer, where he continued to create meals that fed his family, friends, and the local community. He was then employed at Thurston’s in Frankfort as head cook, making “Thurston’s Style” pizza with extreme attention to detail.

Outside of the kitchen, Chris was a man of many passions. He was mostly at home in nature, whether fishing on a quiet river, hunting with the peacefulness of the wilderness in the early morning, or cutting wood in his own backyard. Being a simple man, he had a gift for working with his hands, whether it was building something from scratch, fixing what was broken, or growing vibrant vegetables in his garden. Chris was a skilled carpenter, a DIY enthusiast, and someone who always had a project in motion. His creativity extended beyond utility—he loved to bake, to experiment with flavors, and to share what he made with those around him. Camping trips, long talks outdoors, and evenings around the fire were the moments he cherished the most. Chris was very dedicated to his Catholic faith and had his own special bond with God. Just recently, he purchased paints, carefully mixed colors, and lovingly restored a life-size statue of Jesus for his neighbor, Paul Whitney. If you happen to drive by his home, check it out as he was so proud of his work.

Chris was predeceased by his father, Brian J. Carney; his beloved grandmother, Anna Nicastro; his grandfather, John Carney Sr., and his aunt, Patricia Carney.

He is survived by his mother, Lois Thornhill of South Carolina, son, Christopher Carney, his cherished granddaughter, Adrianna, and former partner, mother of his son, Simone Jones of Herkimer. Chris is also survived by his devoted sister, Dana Carney Madigan, who not only cared for him throughout his life, but shared an extremely close bond with Chris that was unbreakable. They leaned on each other in good times and hard ones—Dana was his confidant, his safe space, and his home. Her husband, Paul Jr., became a true brother and companion to Chris—joining him for countless appointments, special projects, and conversations that brought comfort, laughter, and purpose to Chris’s days. Their friendship in recent years was a gift that meant more than words could say.

Chris also leaves behind his sisters, Carlene, Crystal, Tammy, and brothers Jon, Jamie, and Brian; his uncle’s John and Joe (Joan) Carney; his aunts Maryellen, Pat, and Marclyn; along with many cousins, nieces, and nephews who loved him dearly and will feel the loss of his steady, kind, and spirited presence. Chris also shared a long-standing friendship with Kevin Mooney—not only a neighbor, but the kind of close friend everyone wishes they had. Kevin was one of the few people Chris truly trusted, could count on, and over the years their bond grew into something more like family. Their friendship was a rare one, and it meant a great deal to Chris.

Chris will be remembered for his loyal heart, his clever hands, and his way of making everything feel a little more like home. His stories, humor, intelligence, and legacy of resilience will live on in those who knew and cherished him.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 25th, 2025, at 11:00 AM at The Enea & Ciaccia Family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Road in Ilion, New York and burial will follow at the Carney/Durant family lot located in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Frankfort, New York.

Relatives and friends are welcome to join his family at a calling hour in honor of Chris on Friday morning at the funeral home from 10:00 AM until the time of the services that follow.

This obituary may be viewed on the funeral home website by visiting www.eneafamily.com on the Internet.

Enea, Ciaccia, & Applegate Funeral Directors (315) 894-8000.