Richard Ward McCarthy

Richard “Dick” W. McCarthy, 83, of East Hartford, loving husband of 61 years of Jeanne (Oliva) McCarthy, peacefully passed away surrounded by his caring family on Saturday, May 28, 2022 at St. Francis Hospital in Hartford. Born in Hartford on February 18, 1939, a son of the late Dennis S. and Nellie (Moynihan) McCarthy, he had been a life-long resident of East Hartford. Dick was a graduate of East Hartford High School, class of 1956 where he was a star football player, earning All-State honors as an offensive and defensive tackle. He was a veteran of the Army National Guard during the Vietnam War.

Prior to his retirement, he was employed for 38 years at N.T. Oliva, Inc. in East Hartford, retiring as a Partner with the company. Dick enjoyed giving back to his community and was a well-liked baseball coach in East Hartford Little League and Pony League. He was an active member of the East Hartford Rotary Club where he was a recipient of the prestigious Paul Harris award. He loved working and chairing different projects for Rotary, but took great pride in the “Koats for Kids” project in conjunction with the East Hartford Social Services department.

A devout catholic, he was a longtime communicant of St. Christopher Church, East Hartford, and was a former member of the school board at St. Christopher School. He was also a former member of the Knights of Columbus-Rev. J.C. Martin Council #3901, East Hartford and of the Volunteer Hose Company #2 of East Hartford. Dick also enjoyed going to his cottage at Point O’ Woods in Old Lyme, sitting on his porch and playing cribbage with family and friends. He liked traveling and going on cruises with his wife throughout the United States and Europe, spending winters in the Fort Meyers, FL area, and fishing. He was also a faithful, loyal fan of the Boston Red Sox, UConn Women’s basketball, and New York Giants. Most of all, Dick was a proud husband, father, and grandfather who loved spending time with his three special grandsons, supporting them at their school activities and sporting events.

Along with his beloved wife Jeanne, Dick is survived by his devoted son, Richard D. McCarthy and his wife Mercedes of Glastonbury; and his three cherished grandsons, Atty. Austin D. McCarthy of Atlanta, GA, Ian R. McCarthy of Glastonbury, and Colin M. McCarthy of South Windsor. He also leaves a brother, Dennis J. McCarthy of Wethersfield; a sister-in-law, Nancy McCarthy of East Hartford; many nieces, nephews, and dear friends. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by a brother, John E. McCarthy of East Hartford.

Funeral service will be Monday (June 6, 2022) with a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at 10:30 am at St. Christopher Church of St. Edmund Campion Parish, 538 Brewer Street, East Hartford. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, (Section P), Burnside Avenue, East Hartford. Everyone is asked to please meet directly at the church on Monday morning. Relatives and friends may call at the D’Esopo-East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter Street, East Hartford on Sunday (June 5, 2022) from 4 – 7 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Richard’s name may be made to the East Hartford Rotary Charitable Foundation – Koats for Kids, P.O. Box 380035, East Hartford, CT 06138-0035. For on-line expressions of sympathy to the family please visit www.desopoeh.com.