Carney was born on June 6, 1919, in Lynn, Massachusetts.

Prior to entering politics, Carney worked in real estate.

[1] In 1961 he ran in the special election fill the vacancy in the Massachusetts House of Representatives caused by the death of Michael J. Carroll.

[2][3] During his tenure, Carney brought forth legislation to build the Nahant Street area seawall along Lynn Shore Drive.

Carney lived in Nahant, Massachusetts, and Naples, Florida, during his final years.