John Carberry graduated from Roanoke College in 1949 with his B.S. in Mathematics, and he received his masters in Mathematics from Carnegie Mellon University in 1951.
His professional career began with Mutual Benefit Life Insurance Company, where he became vice president. He was a co-founder of Roenisch & Carberry, Inc., in Los Angeles and Compensation and Capital, Inc., in Chicago.
In 1976, Mr. Carberry joined Coates, Herfurth & England, Inc., where he became president and chief executive officer. During his professional career, he had many recognized achievements. He was a fellow in the Society of Actuaries, and a member of the American Academy of Actuaries and the Conference of Actuaries in Public Practice. He was co-founder and first chairman of the Board of Governors of San Francisco State University's Pension Research Institute. Mr. Carberry designed the insurance and retirement program for the American Football League, which was a factor in maintaining the viability of the League until a merger with the National Football League could be negotiated successfully. He was the co-designer of the first private program sponsored by the Industrial Union Department of the AFL-CIO to insure employee retirement benefits against the involuntary liquidation of the sponsoring employer.
Following graduation, Mr. Carberry remained loyal to his alma mater, Roanoke College. He served as the class agent for the class of 1949 and as chairman of the Roanoke Fund, and he was a member of the Board of Trustees. His service and dedication to Roanoke was further evidenced by his sustaining membership in the Associates of Roanoke College and by his charter membership in the Society of 1842. He also was a member of the 1992 Plan National Committee.
John Carberry received the Roanoke College Medal in 1990.