Obituaries

Joseph F.X. McCarthy, devoted husband of the late Margaret Mahony McCarthy for 61 years, passed into eternal life on Sunday, July 15, 2012. Loving father of Margaret Murphy (Edward), Mary Mahony McCarthy, Frank (Debby), Katherine Cahill (John), Joan Gentile (Richard), and Helen McCarthy. He was also grandfather of 21 and great-grandfather of 10.
Born in Brooklyn, NY on Oct. 2, 1922, his military career began in the US Air Corps during WWII where he served in the Weather Service and later retired from the Air Force Reserves as Lieutenant Colonel.
Joe leaves a legacy of superb scholarship. His career spanned nearly half a century of teaching, writing and administration in NYC public schools and Fordham University, from which he retired as Vice President of Academic Affairs.
Joe was a daily communicant with deep faith that was evident in active participation and support in every parish throughout his life. He frequently noted the essential trinity of his formation: his wife, the Jesuits and the military. His encyclopedic wit and true commitment to family and friends will be greatly missed.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. George Church, 33 Whitfield St, Guilford on Wednesday, July 18 at 10am. Burial with military honors will follow in St. Agnes Cemetery, Route 1, Branford. Friends may call Tuesday, July 17 from 5 – 8 pm at the Guilford Funeral Home, 115 Church St, Guilford. Memorial gifts may be made to the McCarthy Scholarship Fund, at Fordham Preparatory School, 441 East Fordham Rd, Bronx, NY 10458-5175 or to Evergreen Woods Employee Scholarship Fund, 88 Notch Hill Rd, North Branford, CT 06471.