Gerald John McCarthy

September 14, 1929 - January 9, 2016
Gerald John McCarthy

Memorial Gifts & Donations




Gerald “Jerry” John McCarthy

Jerry McCarthy of Wilmington, North Carolina passed away on Saturday, January 9, 2016 surrounded by his loving wife, Mary, and eight children. He came to Wilmington 22 years ago after raising his family in Avon-by-the-Sea, New Jersey.

Jerry was born in Kearny and graduated from St. Cecilia’s High School and Seton Hall University, South Orange, NJ. He was a U.S. Army veteran who served in Germany during the Korean War as a Military Police Officer. Jerry had a long career in the trucking industry that culminated when he retired from Cummins Engines in Newark.

Jerry was passionate about people, and his quick wit put smiles on many faces over the years. He touched and was touched by all he met.

He was a lifelong NY Giants fan, who also enjoyed golf and the wonderful camaraderie and conversations the game afforded him.

Jerry was especially fond of the many friends and relationships he developed while working at Porter’s Neck and Castle Bay Country Clubs. He and Mary received a warm Wilmington welcome and made so many friends their two decades in North Carolina.

Jerry is predeceased by his parents, John and Catherine (nee Reynolds) and his siblings Joseph, Jack and Marie. He leaves behind his wife Mary, the love of his life, and his children, Mary McKenzie of Fountain Hills, AZ, Kevin and John, both of Palm Beach Gardens, FL, Eileen (Richard) Leahey of Cranford, Tim (Carolyn) of Atlantic Beach, FL, Chris (Mary Beth) of Manasquan, Michael of Scottsdale, AZ and Jerry (Niamh) of Wilmington, NC and his 15 beautiful grandchildren−Duncan, Grace, Virginia, Chris, Connor, Sean, Ben, Gavin, Kiera, Brigid, Marin, Molly, Ella, Riley and Celia. They will be forever grateful to have been loved by this special man and honored to have had him as their Dad (affectionately known as “Harvey”) and Pop.

The McCarthy family is grateful to the dedicated staff of DaVita Cape Fear Dialysis and the many medical professionals who provided loving care and support over the years. Each holds a special place in Jerry’s heart.

A wake will be held on Monday, 5-7 pm at the Wilmington Funeral Chapel, 1535 S 41st St in Wilmington. A funeral mass will be held on Tuesday morning at St.Therese Catholic Church, Wrightsville Beach at 10:30 A.M. The McCarthy family will hold a memorial service in celebration of Jerry’s life at the Jersey shore in the early summer time frame.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jerry’s name can be made to the Wounded Warriors Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675.

Please share memories with the family by clicking the condolences tab below.

Wilmington Funeral & Cremation 1535 S.41st Street Wilmington, NC 28403. 910.791.9099


Visitation

Monday, January 11, 2016
2:52 PM - 2:52 PM

Wilmington Funeral Chapel - Directions
1535 South 41st Street
Wilmington, NC 28403
910-791-9099

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  • January 11, 2016
    Sean Dunphy says:
    RIP Mr. McCarthy, one of the nicest and funniest men I had the pleasure of meeting.

  • January 11, 2016
    Tom Jones says:
    Every time we met Jerry on the tee he made us feel good - not about our golf games but about just being alive. Jerry McCarthy redefined "joie de vivre" as an Irish expression and he was generous spreading his joyful spirit. Our sympathy to Mary and the family. Tom and Hazel Jones

  • January 11, 2016
    Tammy Bruestle says:
    I am so grateful to have know Jerry. Jerry was a true friend and father figure to my daughter,TJ Harvey. Both Mary and Jerry have been there for her. I can never express my thanks. Jerry's wit and humor brought joy to all of us. He truly was a special man and will be missed by all. My thoughts and prayers to Mary and all his beautiful children.

  • January 11, 2016
    Patty Sheats says:
    Eileen, so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers.

  • January 11, 2016
    Megan Sweeney Agnello says:
    Our Mom, Pat Sweeney met Jerry at an Avon School PTA meeting around 1965. He sat down next to her and leaned into our mother’s ear and whispered “ my wife, Mary could not come, she is too pregnant and due any day”, he paused and then said “the devil made me do it”. My mom felt like a kid in church trying to stifle a laugh and could not hold it back. Thus began the Sweeney family relationship with the McCarthy family - too many laughs to count! Jerry will be missed but the stories will go on for generations. Please accept our sincere condolences.