Donald James McCarthy

Donald James McCarthy, age 82, of Grand Rapids, went to be with his Lord on Tuesday, September 16, 2014 at Porter Hills Village in Grand Rapids, MI. He was preceded in death by Joyce, his beloved wife of 57 years and a grandson, Anthony Granzotto. Don will be lovingly remembered by his children, Kim (John) Granzotto and Stephen (Kelli) McCarthy; grandchildren, Jeremy (Esther), Matthew, Peter Granzotto, Liza, and Sawyer McCarthy; great-grandchildren, Autumn, and Wyatt Granzotto and a brother and sister, Melvin (Eunice) McCarthy and Betty (Don) Bidelman; as well as many nieces, nephews and friends. Don will be remembered as a quiet, caring, generous and spiritual man. Both he and Joyce were charter members of Zion Lutheran Church before joining Faith Lutheran Church where Don served the church in an official capacity for many years following his retirement from Smiths Industries where he was a committed employee for 38 years working as an engineering supervisor.Prior and following his graduation from Creston High School in 1953, Don proudly served his country in both the Army Reserve as well as in the Navy where he was awarded a good conduct medal. Don had a life-long passion for aviation, attending airshows around the world, visiting air museums, and reading and cataloging aviation history books. Prior to his death, Don graciously donated his collection of more than 1500 books and magazines and 150 model airplanes to the West Michigan Aviation Academy.A Memorial Service with military honors will be held at 11 AM Saturday, September 20 at Faith Lutheran Church (2740 Fuller Ave NE), with Pastor Kevin Sullivan officiating. Family will be available for visitation on Friday, September 19, from 2-4 and 6-8 PM at Reyers North Valley Chapel, as well as one hour prior to the service at church on the day of service. Family asks that in lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Faith Lutheran Church.