Donald McCarthy

Born in Hartford, Donald was the son of the late John and Margaret (Costelloe) McCarthy. He was raised in the Elmwood section of West Hartford and spent his most joyous 66 years in Wethersfield as it was during that time that he and Madeline raised their family. Since he was a young boy, Donald developed a strong work ethic that began with helping his dad’s landscaping business. While in high school, Donald worked afternoons at a gas station and evenings as a dishwasher to help provide for his parents and siblings.

As a young husband and father, he continued working hard to provide for his growing family. This included days working as a draftsman and weekends laboring at his dad’s business while also juggling attending Hillyer College and the University of Hartford in the evenings. He was so grateful that a mentor at Jacobs Manufacturing saw great potential in him to invest in his education and encourage him, culminating in his earning a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering while his family grew to five children.

He worked as a Senior Product Design Engineer and Manufacturing Engineer for Jacobs Manufacturing Company (now part of Danaher Corporation) and then Creed Monarch. He earned numerous patents including for the keyless chuck and for the compression release engine brake, commonly known as the “Jake Brake.” He loved working so much that he didn’t retire until he was 90. From that day until his last day, he missed working — both the people and the purpose.

As proud as Donald was of his work, nothing brought more joy to him than his family. He took great pride in his family and was a devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was a loving husband to Madeline, and supportive of all his children’s aspirations. Donald enjoyed engineering, playing golf, yardwork, history, walking, playing cards and most anything that kept him busy or solving a problem. He was a devout Catholic and attended mass regularly at Corpus Christi (now Christ The King Parish) when he lived in Wethersfield. During his later years, with his wife Madeline, Donald found comfort in watching the daily mass on TV from the Archdiocese of Hartford.

His beloved wife, Madeline of 76 years, predeceased Donald nine weeks prior to his death. Those final weeks without Madeline were the hardest weeks of his life. He is now again with her in heaven. Donald is survived by his children: Donald J. McCarthy, Jr., Nancy E. Charneski and her husband Joseph, John K. McCarthy and his wife Rian, Margaret A. Loosemore and her husband Thomas, and Mary F. Czaja and her husband John. He also leaves his precious grandchildren: Joseph Charneski (Luz), Jeffrey Charneski (Kim), John Dera (Kristen), Kathryn Read (Doug), Gabriella McCarthy, and William Czaja (Alison), and six cherished great-grandchildren. Donald also leaves his sister Elizabeth (McCarthy) Parker and three nieces and three nephews. He was predeceased by his sister, Bernice (McCarthy) Thompson.

Donald’s church and burial services will be private. He will be laid to rest in his family plot at Mt. St. Benedict Cemetery, Bloomfield.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to all who have offered their love and support. Donald enjoyed the visits and communications he received from friends and family during his retirement. His family would like to thank those who cared for Donald at Maple View Manor during the last weeks of his life. To share a memory or photo, please visit www.desopofuneralchapel.com

Arrangements were entrusted to the D’Esopo Funeral Chapel, Wethersfield.