Longtime Dedham teacher and administrator, Mark Owen Carney, of Wareham, died April 7, 2025 at the age of 55.
The beloved son of Barbara and Wiliam Carney, Mark grew up in Dedham and attended Dedham High School. There, he excelled at sports and was on the varsity soccer, basketball and track teams. He graduated from Temple University in 1994 with a degree in physical education. He went on to earn a Master's Degree in Administrative Leadership from American International College.
Mark joined the staff of Dedham High School in 1994 as an athletic trainer. Over a long career in Dedham, he worked as a trainer, a health and physical education teacher and as Director of Health, Wellness and Physical Education for the Dedham school system.
A dedicated educator, Mark loved being in the classroom and working with young people. He was always on the lookout for new and engaging games to introduce to his students and staff. His younger students at Greenlodge school remember that he encouraged teamwork, let students demonstrate games, and always added fun twists while ensuring everyone felt safe and included.
Mark was especially committed to ensuring that students with different needs were thoughtfully and meaningfully included in physical education classes. At both Greenlodge and Dedham High School, he led unified physical education classes for students with autism and similar disabilities. Mark often worked one-on-one with more complex learners, bringing joy and genuine connection to each interaction.
A passionate supporter of all Dedham High School activities, Mark once traveled to Cape Cod to cheer on the tennis team and bring the players water and popsicles. He was known for generously supporting any fundraiser associated with Dedham schools.
Mark’s influence on the students of Dedham extended far beyond the classroom. He worked on grant applications to increase opportunities for physical and social emotional health across the district. He was a founding chapter advisor of the Link Crew, a leadership mentoring program for 9th graders. In that role, he organized dances, study sessions, freshmen orientation and community volunteer experiences.
He was a strong advocate for CPR training for the senior class and worked closely with nurses to bring this training to Dedham students. Mark supported initiatives like the fundraiser, “Buzz Hair for Breast Cancer.” As part of the challenge, he grew his own hair long, before shaving it all off. He sponsored the E. T. Peterson Scholar Athlete Award, given out to a graduating senior at Class Night.
Mark helped students with the school mural project, evidence of which can be found on the wall in the back parking lot of the high school and, in a tribute, the Greenlodge School this week decorated their windows with a sign of love for “Mr. Carney.”
Outside of school, Mark enjoyed fishing and shooting, and was a member of the Wankinquoah Rod and Gun Club in Middleborough.
He adored his nieces Clare and Helena Struzziery and Grace Carney and his nephew, Owen Carney. In addition to his parents, who live in Dedham, Mark is survived by his sister Catherine Carney, of Roslindale, his sister Beth Carney and brother-in-law Joseph Struzziery, of Dedham, and his brother and sister-in-law Brian and Erin Carney of Dedham.
Mark was known for organizing elaborate breakfasts every year for school staff, making homemade casseroles and baked goods as a way of showing appreciation for teachers and school workers. The staff at the Greenlodge School enjoyed a “Mark Carney breakfast” on April 4.
Visiting hours will be held at the George F. Doherty & Sons Wilson-Cannon Funeral Home, 456 High St, Dedham on Sunday, April 13 from 3-7pm. His funeral will be held from the funeral home on Monday, April 14 at 9am followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Mary’s Church, Dedham at 10am. Relatives and friends kindly invited. Interment private.