Obituary of John Edward McCarthy

John E. McCarthy John E. (Jack) McCarthy, 82, of Denville, NJ passed away on Wednesday, August 20, 2014, at St. Barnabas Hospital, Livingston, NJ. John was born in Brooklyn, NY, the son of Marion (Mahoney) McCarthy and Francis McCarthy. He grew up in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, and graduated with a B.A. in Business Administration and Marketing from Fordham University. He and his wife Denise were married on June 9, 1956, and shared 58 warm and loving years together. John is survived by his wife, Denise Hennessy McCarthy, his son and daughter-in-law Kevin and Linda McCarthy, daughter Denise McCarthy, and his grandson Sean McCarthy. John and Denise lost their cherished son, John Jr., on February 6, 2009. He is also survived by his brother Frank McCarthy, sisters Jane Rourke and Kay McCarthy, and many nieces, nephews and other relatives. John retired from his work as a Systems Sales Manager at New Jersey Bell 22 years ago, in 1992. He was employed at New Jersey Bell and AT&T for 30 years. He was previously employed in sales at W.R. Cobb and Rust Craft, and in book production publishing at McGraw Hill Publishing. He enjoyed celebrating life with his loving wife Denise. Together, they enjoyed exploring the people, music, history and cultures of many places through their trips and cruises throughout Europe, Russia, the Caribbean and North America. He loved cooking, woodworking, baking bread, opera, and enjoyed understanding animal behavior. John was a natural storyteller, and always ready to lighten up a room with his ever-ready humor. He had a stellar memory for details of his life from childhood on, of the fun with college friends, of movies, music, and the details of history and world events. He was earthy and natural, fun loving and lovable, a true leader, and a natural athlete who still, at the age of 82, could swim several laps across a pool. He was strong in body, mind and spirit. He was filled with compassion and a ready drive to help, as evidenced through his many years of service as leader of the Jaycees in Linwood, as a Sunday school teacher at St. Mary's in Denville, and with the Knights of Columbus in Morris Plains, where he served in the capacities of Grand Knight, Treasurer, and other leadership positions. Until just recently, he was valued for his energetic leadership of the Daytimers Seniors group in Denville where he organized weekly discussion topics and programs, and frequent events and trips for many years. He was also appreciated by all who knew him for his expansive kindness and generosity in doing so many acts of kindness for family and friends. John seemed to have the capacity to fill a room and live forever, with a strength of resolve and perseverance that made all challenges possible. Friends may visit with the family at Norman Dean Home for Services, 16 Righter Ave., Denville NJ, www.normandean.com, on Sunday, August 24, from 1-5pm. A mass in celebration of John's life will be held at St. Virgil's Church on 250 Speedwell Ave., Morris Plains, on Monday, August 25, at 10am. His burial will take place at Holy Rood Cemetery, 61 Whippany Rd., Morristown, following the church services.