Francis L. McCarthy Jr.

Frank dropped out of High School during a very difficult time, as the United States had entered World War II. At 17 years old, Frank joined the Merchant Marines with duty on the Atlantic on the east coast of United States and during his first voyage became sick and was transported from the ship to the end of the war.

Frank’s training was in Communications, specifically teletype operator. He eventually found himself stationed in England and started to talk with a female Royal Air Force Operator who eventually became his wife. Elizabeth Helen McCarthy and Frank corresponded during the long nights as operators for their perspective base assignment. After several months, they met and continue to enjoy each other’s company and fell in love. They married in England, April 11, 1953. Frank and Lynn started their life together.

Frank’s next duty assignment took him to Bangor, Maine, where Lynn traveled to meet him pregnant with Steven. Steven was born in April 1955 and in 1957 a new duty assignment found them in an even colder location, Goosebay Labador, Canada, where Victoria was born. Moving from Canada to Great Falls, Montana in 1959, where Glenn was born in1960. The next stop for the family was Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and then onto Aviano AFB Italy. Lynn became ill and was taken for treatment to Weasbotten Germany and then to Fitzsimons Army Hospital in Colorado for treatment. Lynn remained in the hospital for roughly a year. Colorado then became home to the McCarthy’s.

Frank served in the United States Air Force for 23 years. He was able to achieve the rank of Senior Master Sergeant, receiving numerous awards and medals. Frank specifically received the Air Force Commendation medal three times. He served during World War II, Cuban Missile Crisis, the Cold War, and The Vietnam Conflict.

After retiring from the military and changing several jobs, he eventually found his way and started to work for the US Post Office, eventually serving as a supervisor and working in design engineering.

Frank retired from the Post Office after 17 years and started his retirement. Unfortunately in 1979, Victoria was killed in an automobile accident and his beloved wife Lynn, became ill with cancer, passing away in 2007. Frank lived with his youngest son Glenn for the next 7 years at the McCarthy home. On November 23, 2013 after a long struggle with heart disease, Frank passed away. He is survived by his sons, Glenn and Steven, Steven’s wife Karin, three grandchildren, Jenny, Victoria and Sean, along with a great-grandchild, Noelle.

Frank lived a life of travel and adventure. He worked for and received a High School diploma and eventually a college education. He has been awarded medals by not only the United States but the Italian government. He was lucky enough to do things in his life that most people dream about. He had the love of a beautiful dedicated woman, who experienced great hardship and sacrifice for him and their family. Frank was extremely proud of his service to this country and his sons.

My Dad told me a story, one day he came home and found my mother crying when they were first stationed at Bangor, Maine, because she could only give him beans and franks for dinner. My father immediately went out and got a second job, swearing that his family would never want for anything else ever again.

I can only hope that a small portion of my father is engrained in me. I know a large portion is in my bother. Dad, you are the greatest. I love you so much and will miss you greatly.