Daniel Joseph McCarthy

Daniel Joseph McCarthy, age 89, of Springfield, died at 3:40pm on October 19, 2015 in Springfield IL. A Christmas baby, Daniel was born on December 25, 1925 in Chicago to an Irish Catholic family, which would grow to have 9 children: 4 older sisters, followed by 5 younger brothers, on Addison Street on the city's Northwest Side. His father, Walter, a plumber, and mother, Julie Doyle McCarthy, loved and encouraged his early curiosities about tools, engineering, science, chemistry and physics. He entered the Seminary after attending St. Rita's High School, and went on to become a fully ordained Jesuit priest, working and teaching at various Jesuit schools in the Midwest. He left the priesthood in 1967, and met and married the love of his life, Lucille "Billie" Dunne, herself a former nun, on April 30, 1969. They had two daughters and enjoyed a great love affair together. They had 39 years of happy marriage before she preceded him in death on June 30, 2008. Daniel held degrees in both liberal arts and business, including an MBA, and worked in accounting and auditing until retirement. His true passion was his art. Dan was a masterful, self-taught woodworker. An active member of the Prairie Art Alliance, Dan had his own show at the gallery at the Hoogland Center in Springfield in 2009. His creations, often reflective of his Christian spirituality, decorate chapels, churches, offices and homes across the country. Dan spent the last 3 years of his life at Concordia Village, where he made a host of friends among residents and staff alike. He often proclaimed that he never imagined his last years would be so filled with love and joy. Above all, Dan had a kind, patient, forgiving and encouraging spirit, coupled with a dry, playful sense of humor. These qualities made him well-suited to be an outstanding husband and father, which he was. He often joked that he was surrounded by bossy women, and he was right. Throughout his life, he was cherished and loved by his mother, older sisters, wife, daughters and granddaughters. He was also preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Margaret, Ellen, Genevieve, Walter, Warren, and Jerry. He is survived by two daughters, Megan (husband, Chad, M.D.) DeFrain of Springfield and Siobhan McCarthy of Springfield; two grandchildren, Lucille Grace and Phoebe Sue DeFrain; and two siblings, Rev. James McCarthy of Chicago and Sr. Marion McCarthy of Sinsinawa, WI, as well as many nieces and nephews. Visitation: Family will receive friends from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 22, 2015 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Visitation will begin with a prayer service. Funeral Mass: 10:00 a.m. on Friday, October 23, 2015 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 1725 S. Walnut St., Springfield, with Rev. Jeff Grant celebrant. Cremation will be accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center following ceremonies. Private family burial will be at Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to: Catholic Charities, 1625 W. Washington, Springfield, IL 62702.