David C. McCarthy

David Charles McCarthy, a longtime resident of Worthington, Ohio, died on December 20, 2025. Born April 15, 1947 in Queens, New York to Laverne Kaufmann McCarthy and Joseph Francis McCarthy, Dave spent most of his youth in Valley Stream, New York. As a teenager, Dave moved to Ohio and graduated from Hudson High School and The Ohio State University.

Dave worked professionally in the development offices of Centre College, Oberlin College, and for most of his career, The Ohio State University College of Engineering. He loved working with students, faculty and the business community to greatly enhance research and educational programs. At Ohio State, Dave was the lead development officer for the College of Engineering during its first three capital fundraising campaigns over a three-decade period. His dedication, loyalty and longevity serving one university and one of its colleges for three decades was impressive and unique in this profession. He built strong relationships with the College’s alumni and donors, which resulted in the construction of four new academic buildings, the establishment of numerous endowed professorships and scholarships, and ultimately a transformation of the College. He also mentored and advised numerous student groups including Buckeye Formula SAE, Buckeye Bullet and Solar Car, and Texnikoi. He was an advocate for students and scholarship, and served as a trusted partner of many University leaders throughout his career.

After retiring from Ohio State, Dave was a regular volunteer at the Furniture Bank of Central Ohio, as well as the Worthington Food Pantry.

He loved exercise, in particular football and rugby in his early years, numerous marathons in mid-life (including NYC), and daily workouts at the Worthington Community Center in retirement. Dave’s other interests included international travel (to six continents), cooking (especially bread and yogurt), listening to music, and working in his garden.

Dave was a selfless, caring, and supportive family man. He led by example, instilling a strong sense of determination and perseverance in his children. He inspired his family to live with empathy and to live each day with purpose. Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Margaret Fisher McCarthy; children, Meghan Mills (Jeffrey) of Wilmette, IL, Allyson Minister (Andrew) of Columbus, Ohio, and Robert McCarthy (Leslie) of Worthington, Ohio; grandchildren, Hayden, Natalie, and Andrew Mills; Henry, Holden, and Charlotte McCarthy; and Elisabeth, Teddi, Andrew, and Robert Minister; and siblings, Stephen (Helen) of Upper Arlington, Ohio, Andrew (Hester) of Kenilworth, IL, Barbara of Winnetka, IL, Joseph (Judy) of Hudson, OH, and Mary Hensley of Glendale, MO. Preceding Dave in death were his parents and a brother, John.

Charitable contributions in Dave’s memory may be made to The David C. McCarthy Engineering Teaching Award Fund (664570) at The Ohio State University College of Engineering. Internment will be at the Worthington Presbyterian Church.