John McCarthy

John C. McCarthy, age 85, of Chambersburg, PA, passed away at his home Tuesday evening, October 15, 2013. Born in Dublin, Ireland on December 19, 1927, he was the son of the late John Edward and Kathleen McCarthy.

A U.S. Navy veteran, John honorably served his country for 21 years, retiring in 1965 with the rank of Chief Petty Officer. During his time in the service, he was deployed on many missions throughout the world, the most notable of which was his involvement in the Cuban missile crisis in 1962. While in the service, he earned his bachelor’s degree in education. He later earned his Master’s degree in education and Special Education from the University of Illinois, graduating in 1971. At the University, John taught electrical engineering to Naval cadets and he worked closely with the Physics Department on the Betatron, an electron accelerator. After retiring from the service, he began a second career at CASHS, where he taught Industrial Arts, including architectural drawing, drafting, blueprint reading, and wood working. He retired from CASHS in 1990 and, through the years, enjoyed meeting former students and discussing their career paths. Mr. McCarthy was a member of the Knights of Columbus Post 1426, VFW Post 1599, Am Vets Post 224, Dietrich-Brechbill American Legion Post 612, Marine Corps League, and the Joint Veteran’s Council, where he served as a past vice-commander. After attending a funeral at Mt. Vernon cemetery, John proposed to the council that a new flag pole should be installed to replace the broken pole that was there, reestablishing the level of honor deserved by veteran’s buried at the 125 year old cemetery. John enjoyed serving the community through organizational membership, as well as helping individuals in need. As a member of Corpus Christi Parish, John served as a Eucharistic Minister and was the first president of the Nocturnal Adoration Society. John enjoyed being a member of the Knights dart league, woodworking, gardening, and golfing. He believed that education was a lifelong journey. He enjoyed studying ancient Greek philosophy, physics, music, and the universe.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Jane Otterson McCarthy; five children, Brian C. McCarthy (wife Patricia) of Baltimore, MD; Daniel C. McCarthy of Carlisle, PA; Rosanna M. McCarthy of Sylva, NC; Bernadine M. McKenna (husband Brian) of Bethlehem, PA; and Catherine M. McCarthy of Chambersburg, PA, eleven grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and two siblings, Sarah Meehan of Philadelphia, PA and Kathleen Stetto of Philadelphia, PA. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Sean C. McCarthy and several siblings.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Saturday, October 19, 2013 at 9 AM at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 320 Philadelphia Ave., Chambersburg, PA, where Rev. Fr. Paul Thiesz will celebrate. The family will receive friends on Friday, October 18, 2013 from 7-9 PM at the Thomas L. Geisel Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 333 Falling Spring Rd., Chambersburg, PA. Interment will follow the Mass in Corpus Christi Cemetery, where member of the Charles Nitterhouse Post 1599, VFW Honor Guard will conduct Military Honors. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his name to the Sean C. McCarthy Memorial Scholarship Fund at Shippensburg University or the St. Vincent De Paul Society, 320 Philadelphia Ave., Chambersburg, PA 17201.