John Patrick McCarthy, age 95 years and 11 months passed away at 9:03 a.m. Tuesday, February 16, 2010 at his home. He was born March 20, 1914 in Boston Massachusetts.
On May 5, 1945 he was united in marriage to Marjorie Leah Leming of Percy, IL. They met at a USO dance.
He was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Columbia, Missouri.
John and Marjorie lived in Columbia, MO for 45 years. In 2007 they moved to Tampa, FL where Marjorie still resides.
John received his B.S. degree from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana; his M.S. degree from Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville, Illinois; and his Ph.D. in education from the University of Missouri in Columbia, Missouri.
He started his working life at the age of 13 selling newspapers in Boston, Massachusetts to workers aboard the U.S.S. Arizona. He then worked for several years as a window dresser and later became a manager of Gorin’s department store in Boston. He owned a trucking business and worked for Bethlehem Steel as a welder on battleships.
Then he began a 25-year Military Career in the U.S. Air Force reaching the highest enlisted rank. He was a veteran of World War II. After retiring from the Air Force, he served as a High School guidance counselor at Fulton, Missouri, High School Principal in Essex, Iowa and Huntsville, Missouri. His final career path led to the University of Missouri as a Professor of Education.
John was an optimistic happy soul. He had a great sense of humor. Just a few days before his passing, he said, “I guess I’m getting ready to die. Well—we all have to go sometime.”
John was very proud of his Irish Heritage and his cabin on the Lake of the Ozarks. One of his hobbies at the cabin was raising mallard ducks and feeding wild ducks living on the lake. On most birthdays and Christmases he received Irish memorabilia and items relating to mallard ducks. His constant companion on trips to the lake, who enjoyed riding in the back of the truck, was his black, faithful dog, Buddy.
John had interests and talents in many areas. He helped build his cabin on the Lake of the Ozarks. He enjoyed welding, loved his tomato plants, rose bushes, and fishing on the lake. He loved watching sports: mostly baseball and football.
John was preceded in death by his parents Dennis and Katherine McCarthy, his brothers Charles, Jim, Dennis and sister Mary Katherine.
He is survived by his wife Marjorie, and their children Dennis Robert and wife Marcia Lee of Jamison, PA, John Patrick Jr. and wife Katherine Anne of Lutz, FL, Charles Michael and wife Patricia Ann of Lutz, FL, Katherine Viola Wallace and her husband Charles of Monett, MO. Eleven grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren also survive John.
The family wishes to thank Lifepath Hospice in Tampa, Florida for their care and concern. We want to give a special thanks to Wanda and Rosa for their loving and compassionate care.
John will be missed. He was never at a loss for words and sincerely enjoyed the people he knew. You could truly say he loved life.
What an interesting life your dad,grandpa,great grandpa led. I am sure you all will cherish all the fond memories you have of him. You are truly blessed to of had him in your lives for all those years. Perhaps they are not stars in the sky but rather openings where our loved ones shine down to let us know they are happy. Love, Chris
Kathy and Jack, what a beautiful tribute to Pappy’s life and wonderful family.
Yes, indeed, that was a beautiful tribute to John’s interesting life. I am glad I had a chance to meet him. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. See you Monday.
Love, Mary Ann
At a time like this, we realize how much we will always remember certain people in our lives and the legacy they leave that lives on inside us. It is difficult to put into words exactly what is in my heart, but I feel honored to have been an integral part of his final journey. There was always some laughter, medical challenges, and some quiet, sad times. The Hospice team were true prayer warriors and demonstrated such warmth and concern for his comfort and dignity during his final life’s journey. I want to say a special ’thank you’ to his wonderful, kind, and loving family for letting me and Rosa, and Diane, have the honor of caring for this very unique and special man.
With love, Wanda
Pappy did have a long and interesting life. And, right now, I’m sure he’s getting things organized in his own special way up in Heaven! All my love goes out to the family.
Goodbye Pappy, it was good knowing you.
Love,
Jim
I feel that I am really bless that I had the chance to meet this wonderful man and I learn a lot from him. Thank you God for the opportunity to meet the Mcarthy family. You teached me that everything is not as it seems.
Love;
Rosa
THE LUTZ PATRIOTS OF LUTZ, FLORIDA SEND OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHIES IN THE LOSS OF JOHN MCCARTHY. EVERY FRIDAY IN OUR HOMETOWN WE WAVE AMERICAN FLAGS TO HONOR SUCH HEROES. HIS SERVICE TO OUR COUNTRY WILL BE FOREVER APPRECIATED. (lutzpatriots.com)