Daniel McCarthy

Daniel Patrick McCarthy of Delta Township, journalist, artist and history buff, died at his home on October 24, 2012. He was 87 years old. Born in East Lansing to Robert J. and Elizabeth (Hawley) McCarthy, he was graduated in 1942 from East Lansing High School, in 1948 from Michigan State College, and in 1950 from the University of Pennsylvania. Survivors include two daughters, Elizabeth of Rochester, and Patricia of Lansing; nine grandchildren: Ashley Hand of Petoskey, Amber Otero of Harbor Springs, Joseph McCarthy of Petoskey, John McCarthy of Holland, Timothy [Shane] McCarthy of Okemos, Ryan McCarthy of Hong Kong, Marie [Jason] Foster of Big Rapids, Robert [Pamela] Byerly of Chicago, Christopher Byerly of Lansing, and three great-grandchildren: Taylor and Reagan McCarthy and Colin Cavanaugh; daughters-in-law, Donna McCarthy of Lansing, and Kathy James of Alanson; nephews Casey [Mary] McCarthy [Cassie and Clearie] of Lansing, Robert [Cindy] McCarthy of Rochester [John and Scott] and niece, Kate [Alex Tanacelli] McCarthy of Jersey City, NJ. The family also acknowledges the lifetime friendship of Bill and Jackie Payne, goddaughter Molly Payne, and Megan [Robert] McMillan [Aidan and Sophie]. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death in 1999 by his beloved wife of 49 years, Mary; two sons, Daniel, Jr and Timothy; one daughter, Bridget, and one brother, Robert, Jr. Known in the area for his paintings, chiefly watercolor landscapes, he leaves a legacy of his delight with buildings and views of the Lansing area, and his artwork can be viewed in many public places throughout the State of Michigan. His love of the Great Lakes, especially the Leelanau area, is reflected in many of his paintings. He also was dedicated to local and Michigan history, serving as a Trustee of Friends of the Capitol, the East Lansing Historical Society, and the Michigan Historical Society. He also served for many years as a board member of the Lansing Art Gallery. At East Lansing High School, Pat was elected president of the Student Council. At Michigan State, he was elected to the senior honor society, Excalibur, and was editor of The State News. The University of Pennsylvania awarded him a Master?s degree in English Literature. He served with the 119th Artillery Battalion, 89th Division in France and Germany during World War II, where his outfit was assigned to free victims of the infamous Nazi concentration camps. After college, his first newspaper job was at the Mt. Pleasant Daily Times where he spent 5 years as reporter and editor. He then worked at the Lansing State Journal for 25 years as copy editor, reporter, columnist and assistant managing editor. He covered the 1961 Michigan Constitutional Convention from start to finish. He closed out his varied career working for the State of Michigan helping to explain the reasons for the State?s fiscal predicament of the early 1980s. Pat and Mary McCarthy were charter members of St. Gerard Catholic Parish, and both were deeply involved in parish development. Mary was an early president of the St. Gerard Guild, and Pat was chair of the Parish Council. For many years, Pat served as a Mass Reader and Eucharistic Minister. Visitation will take place at Tiffany Funeral Home on Monday, October 29th beginning at 5:00 PM, and ending with a vigil service at 7:00 PM. A memorial Mass will take place at St. Gerard Catholic Church. 4437 West Willow Highway, Lansing, on Tuesday, October 30th at 1:00 PM, with visitation 1 hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Lansing Art Gallery, Hospice of Lansing, the St. Vincent de Paul Society, or the Michigan Press Association Foundation Scholarship Fund. Friends may visit the guest book at www.tiffanyfuneralhome.com.