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
    Steve Hamburger says:
    Jerry was one of the first people to truly welcome me to Porters Neck. One of the only people that called me "Stevie", he was a bright light with a warm welcome every day. We will all miss him and both Mary and I send our prayers and thoughts to the family.

  • January 11, 2016
    Frankie & Betsy Suman says:
    Friday mornings at PN won't be quite the same without Jerry. A truly good man. RIP

  • January 11, 2016
    Dave Hollenbeck says:
    I am truly sorry for the families loss and based on all the condolences and posts, it was my loss as well for not knowing or meeting Jerry. Wishing the family fond memories.

  • January 12, 2016
    Victoria (Vicki) Vaughn says:
    Sending love to all of Mr. McCarthy's family. He was one in a million...fun, funny, loving, kind, wholesome and generous. I'll always remember him taking a bunch of us to go Christmas caroling at a nursing home. I love him and will miss him. Love Vicki

  • January 12, 2016
    Patricia Connors Kardon says:
    Sending love and hugs to all of the McCarthy family. Lots of great memories of Jerry from my days in Avon.