Deacon Richard McCarthy of Monroe passed away on the feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Friday, June 11, 2021, surrounded by his loving wife and children at The Kaplan Hospice Center in Newburgh. He was 91 years old.
Deacon McCarthy was born in Philadelphia, Pa., the first of six children to conservative Irish Catholic parents, James J. and Katherine Veronica McCarthy. He attended The Academy of Advance Traffic, Rutgers University, the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School and St. Joseph Seminary.
Deacon McCarthy began his employment at St. Regis Paper Company where he held many positions including the Corporate Fleet and Leasing Manager. He Spent the final years of his working career as Circulation-Promotion Manager for the award-winning newspaper Catholic New York.
Deacon McCarthy married Rosemary Coakley, “Lord rest her soul,” and they were blessed with three children: Terrence, Colleen and Michael.
He then married another wonderful woman, Aileen Bonney, of Monroe and between them they have ten beautiful grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
Deacon McCarthy had decided early on to serve others and so, after studying for the Diaconate, he was ordained in 1993. He became involved with the ministry in many different ways including volunteering at the Valley View Nursing Home as well as his services at Hospice of Orange and Sullivan Counties for many years.
Deacon McCarthy quietly moves about doing the “Lord’s work” as he likes to refer to his services as a Deacon. His commitment to his parish has allowed him to partake in the many opportunities including participating in many sacramental events.
Additionally, Deacon McCarthy found a home at the Village of Monroe Zoning Board of Appeals serving for many years as a member of that important board. He has been a member of the Knights of Columbus for many years and was a Fourth Degree Knight.
In quoting Deacon McCarthy, “As a Deacon for the past 28 years, I endeavor to live my life according to my favorite theme: Omnia Pro Te Cor Jesu – All for you, o Heart of Jesus.”
Richard is survived by his wife Aileen of Monroe, his children: Rev. Terrence and his wife Rev. Susan McCarthy and grandson Luke of Gettysburg, Pa.; Colleen Whren and her husband George and granddaughter Caitlin of Monroe; Michael and his wife Melissa and grandchildren Aedan and Rosemary of Monroe; His stepchildren: Cheryl Davis and her husband Peter Chletsos of Monroe, grandson Kevin and his wife Brittany and great grandchildren Mason and Demi of Highland Mills: Kevin Watson and his wife Donna, grandson Scott Watson, United States Navy stationed in Virginia, grandsons Daniel and K.J. of Highland Mills; Scott Watson and his wife Susan of Myrtle Beach, S.C.: granddaughter Jocelyn and her husband Dylan Dewey and great grandson Watson of South Carolina and grandson Jordan of Charlton, S.C.
Dick is also survived by his sister Joan Cave and her husband George of Silver Springs, Md.; several nieces and nephews and his beautiful Russian blue cat “Dolly.”
A special thanks to Deacon Angelo Cosaro for his weekly visits, whose friendship and kind words were an inspiration. Also, to his Deacon Brothers class of 93-94.
Thank you to the staff at the Kaplan Hospice Center: Cherie, Rosemarie, Jessica, Jennifer and all the other staff including Chef Bob.
Dick was predeceased by his first wife Rosemary, parents James and Katherine, sister Carolyn, brothers James, William and John and by his granddaughter Hope.
Dick was also the second oldest active Deacon for 28 years in the Archdiocese or New York.
Visitation was held June 15 at Smith, Seaman & Quackenbush Funeral Home, 117 Maple Ave., Monroe.
A Funeral Mass was celebrated June 16 at Sacred Heart Church, 26 Still Road, Monroe.
Interment followed at St. Anastasia Cemetery in Harriman.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice or Orange and Sullivan Counties, 800 Stony Brook Court, Newburgh, NY 12550.
Arrangements by Smith, Seaman & Quackenbush, Inc. Funeral Home, Monroe (845 782-8185 or www.ssqfuneralhome.com).