Charlie was born in Manhattan, New York on February 26, 1937. He made many life-long friends with whom he had great adventures that served for a lifetime of entertaining stories. He stood proud to tell everyone “I’m from Da Bronx.” He married Mary Donohue on November 7, 1959 and shared 61 years full of love.
Charlie was a man with many talents. He was a veteran of the US Army Reserves where he was honorably discharged in 1962. He served as the Lieutenant in the New York City Fire Department - Engine 82 Ladder 31 in which he earned the Naer Tormid Society - F.D. Roosevelt Medal. He was passionate about emceeing the FDNY 82-31 Reunion annually. He usually led the chant “Him”. He was a proud volunteer as the Chief of Sloatsburg Volunteer Ambulance Corp. After his retirement from the FDNY, he earned his nursing degree from Rockland Community College and became a Registered Nurse at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital. Despite being a large man, his bedside manner was both calming and uplifting to his patients. He loved playing Santa Claus during the holidays bringing cheer to all the staff and patients. Upon his retirement as an RN, Charlie brought to life his hidden talent as an artist with a passion for acrylic painting. His masterpieces have been displayed in Heritage Village in Southbury, CT as well as St. Christopher’s Church in Hobe Sound, FL. His artwork has been placed in
various juried auctions. He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus. He was known for his infectious sense of humor. You never knew what he was going to say next. His personality was larger than life and full of laughter, banter and love.
To his family, he was our cherished husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather and great-grandfather. Charlie appreciated the little things and annual traditions that made his life grand and special, such as being the leader for the family carols and his favorite The 12 Days of Christmas, building impeccable sand sculptures with his grandchildren, his imaginative bedtime stories, and so many more.
The secrets to his longevity were no doubt his unwavering faith in God, living with no regrets, and an occasional root beer float or attending a happy hour at Addington Place surrounded by his loving friends. Most importantly, he treasured his time with his family. He was able to travel to Ireland to visit the birthplace of his parents and spend time with the clan. When complimented on his loving family, he always was quick to let each of his grandchildren and children know "I am so proud of every single one of you. You all amaze me everyday.”
Charlie is survived by his wife, Mary , his children Dennis (Angie Metcalf) McCarthy, Jim (Catherine) McCarthy, Noreen (Ben) McGorty; his grandchildren Charles (Erin), Philip, Shannon, Bernard (Florencia), Erin, Siobhán; his great-grandchildren, Savannah, James, and Vera. He was predeceased by his parents, Agnes and Denis McCarthy, his sister Beatrice (Paul) Victory, and his son, Charles Patrick McCarthy Jr.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, June 5, 2021 at 10:00 AM meeting directly at St. Joan of Arc Church - 32 Eagle Valley Road Sloatsburg, NY. Interment will be held at St. Anastasia Cemetery - 21 N Main St, Harriman, NY.
In lieu of flowers please send donations in Charlie’s name to:
FDNY Fire Family Transport Foundation
P.O. Box 340949
Brooklyn, NY 11234
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