"If a man can be an institution at an institution, Father Robert Carney, SAC, was such a man."
-Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Thursday, November 6, 2003
On November 3, 2003, Pius XI High School lost a beloved friend and colleague with the unexpected death of Father Robert V. Carney. A friend to thousands of alum and members of the Pius community, Fr. Carney devoted 37 years - his entire priesthood - to the service of Pius XI High School. In addition to serving as Provincial of the Mary Queen of Apostles Province of the Pallottine Fathers, he served as a theology teacher, chaplain, and also founded the Big Brother program. Moreover, Father Bob attended nearly every class reunion and seemed to know every alum by name.
During his time at Pius XI, Fr. Carney personified the spirit of the school by greeting every student and visitor with cheerfulness and showing a genuine interest in their well-being. He is the person thousands of alumni picture when they think of Pius XI High School. He touched hearts and solved problems with an ease and graciousness that brought comfort to all. The spirit of Fr, Carney can still be seen in the memories of those he touched while at Pius XI High School.
"My husband and I enjoyed hosting Father Carney for lunch from time to time. He was a very easy person to feed, as he would eat everything served. I wasn't always prepared to have a home made dessert. One time I brought out Haagen Daz Butter Pecan ice cream. Father's eyes lit up as he said that was his favorite. All of our lunches afterwards ended with Haagen Daz Butter Pecan. We still miss Father Carney very much."
- Mr. Charles E. Barnett '51 & Mrs. Lorene Barnett '52
"My personal memories of Father Carney are so precious that they are difficult to share. He was our crutch through illnesses of my children. He shared the joy of Christmas Eve with us nearly every year. He also "carried" us through my husband's final illness, death, and funeral. I miss them both terribly."
- Patricia Ganzer (parent of alum)
"I miss his visits to our house. I miss not being able to pick up the phone and share happy or sometimes sad events. He was the most kind and holy of men. He never sad a bad word about anyone. There can be no value put on his hard work for the alumni. I am proud to have my name in his "friends" folder.
- Maureen Hilbert '53
"Father Carney used to meet us up in St. Germain when our family was on vacation. We would sit around the campfire at night and sing songs and do dances. My daughter, Carlie (2007 graduate), was only about 4 years old at the time. She was doing a dance and she mooned Fr. Bob! I was mortified, but I thought Fr. Bob was going to fall off his chair laughing. He was a great man."
- Peggy Willison '74
"Father Bob was a very special friend to our family. He was with us when our daughter-in-law was dying of leukemia. He would invite us to Mass at his chapel. On our 60th wedding anniversary, he wrote us prayers and blessings. We miss him and pray to him. I'm sure he will continue to pray for us."
- Mr. Anthony Choren & Mrs. Kathleen Choren (parents of alum)