John Richard McCarthy

John Richard McCarthy, 85, of Lordstown, Ohio, passed away peacefully at his home on October 24, 2026, surrounded by the family he loved so deeply. John lived a full life defined by hard work, service to others, adventure, and an unwavering devotion to his family.

John was born on April 26, 1941, in Franklin, Pennsylvania, to Joseph Paul and Geraldine (Freeman) McCarthy. He graduated from Rocky Grove High School in 1959 before continuing his education at Grove City College.

On April 30, 1960, John married his beloved wife, Linda Kay Heffernan. They shared 42 years of marriage, building a family and a lifetime of cherished memories. John began his railroad career with the Pennsylvania Railroad in Oil City, Pennsylvania, in 1960. Over the next 36 years, he held numerous positions throughout Pennsylvania and Ohio with the railroad before retiring from Conrail in July 1996. Following retirement, John and Kay moved to Lordstown to be closer to their family.

John dedicated much of his life to serving others. He proudly served as captain of the Rocky Grove Volunteer Fire Department, was a member of the Free Masons and a devoted member of the Methodist church. From 2002 to 2004, he served as Athletic Director at Lordstown High School, where he became affectionately known as “Papa.” He also umpired countless baseball and softball games for his grandchildren and served as a Lordstown Councilman from 2009 to 2013.

John loved traveling, taking weeks-long motorcycle trips across the country and making multiple journeys out west. He enjoyed baseball, football, racing, and spending winters at his home in Punta Gorda, Florida. One of his favorite pastimes was deer hunting with family and friends, where the friendships, laughter, and memories meant as much as the hunt itself.

On October 27, 2007, John married Veronica (Clutter) McCarthy in a small ceremony in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Together, they shared nearly 19 years of love, companionship, travel, and fond memories.

Above all, John treasured his family. He was the person everyone could count on to lend a hand, offer advice, fix just about anything, or simply sit and talk. His grandchildren lovingly and jokingly called him “The Goodest,” a name that perfectly captured the man they knew and adored. He took great pride in his daughter, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, showing his love through his humor, wisdom, playful teasing, and the countless memories they shared.

John was also a gifted storyteller. Whether recalling a hunting trip, a motorcycle adventure, or an experience from years ago, he could bring every story to life with enthusiasm and detail, even if his audience had heard it many times before. His stories, strong opinions, sense of humor, and generous spirit will be remembered by all who knew him.

John was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Linda Kay, on May 3, 2002; his parents, Joseph Paul and Geraldine; his brother, Tom; his sister, Marjorie (McCarthy) Daley; his brother-in-law, Charles Daley; his nephew, Joseph Daley; and his great-nephew, Danny Daley.

He is survived by his loving wife, Veronica, of Lordstown, Ohio; his daughter, Robyn (Ron) Darocha, of Lordstown; his stepsons, David (Heather) Clutter, of Georgia, and Dan Clutter, of Ohio; his grandchildren, Jason (Amber) Darocha and Matthew (Corrie) Darocha, both of Lordstown, and Heather (Mike) Hillman, of Mecca, Ohio; his step-grandchildren, David (Chrissy) Shaffer and Dominic Shaffer; his great-grandchildren, Grady Darocha, Raegan Darocha, Delainey Hillman, Kaeson Darocha, and Monty Hillman; his brother, Larry McCarthy, of Harrisville, Pennsylvania; his brother-in-law, Jack (Judi) Heffernan, of Cochranton, Pennsylvania; and many nieces and nephews, including special nephew TJ Daley of Chapin, South Carolina.

A private funeral service for immediate family will be held at Lordstown Cemetery. Condolences and fond memories may be shared at www.wood-kortright-borkoski.com

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to Patriot Home Healthcare and Hospice for the compassionate care and support provided to John and his loved ones.

John leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, service, and countless stories that will be shared for generations. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends, but his memory will live on in all those fortunate enough to have known him.

Rest easy, Papa. Your stories will live on, your laughter will echo in our hearts, and you will forever be “The Goodest.”