Patrick Joseph McCarthy

CALIFORNIA Patrick Joseph McCarthy, of Oceanside, CA, age 83, October 22, 2008. Born March 5, 1925, in Silver Bow Butte, Montana, Patrick is the son of the late Jeremiah and Beatrice (O'Leary) McCarthy. Patrick graduated from Charlestown High School in Charlestown, MA and worked as a sheet metal worker for the Limbach Corp. from 1960 to 1985. He was a member of the Sheet Metal Workers Union Local Chapter #17. Patrick was a highly decorated soldier of the U.S. Army who served in the 303rd Port Company of the 519th Port Battalion from 1943 to 1946. He courageously served during the June 6, 1944 D-Day Landing on Omaha Beach, Normandy Northern France Rhineland. He was the recipient of the Victory Metal Croix de Guere, Ribbons for service in the European, African, Middle Eastern Theatre Campaigns and Bronze Service for Arrowhead (leading the D-Day offensive), and he received a 1981 commendation from the French Government for serving in combat leading to France's liberation from Germany. Patrick was a feisty, smiling Irishman from Charlestown. Not blessed with children, he and his wife were blessed with 14 nieces and nephews and his beloved German Shepherd "Gretchen." He spent holidays surrounded by family. Patrick had an incredible work ethic, was generous in spirit and giving to others, and was a devoted friend and companion. He was a gifted athlete in golf and tennis. In his younger days, he was an amateur boxer and a baseball pitcher, and he also taught ballroom dancing. He loved to travel and especially enjoyed cruises. He was an avid fan of the San Diego Chargers and Padres. Patrick was a man of deep and abiding faith in God. He lived in Boston and Hanover for many years before moving to Ohio and then to California in the 1980s. He was devoted to his beautiful Belgian bride "Marge," whom he met during W.W. II in Antwerp and with whom he shared 56 wonderful years. Marge died in 2001 after a long battle with cancer and with Patrick providing care to her until her death. He is survived by his sister Mary Lorraine Dever of Middleborough, formerly of Quincy, her husband William and their 4 adult children. He is also survived by 10 adult nieces and nephews, who were the children of his deceased brother Gerald (Gerry) and deceased sister-in-law Ruth McCarthy of Brighton and Marshfield. Patrick was the longtime dear friend of James Hamilton of North Quincy. Patrick was also the dear friend and companion of Betty Hoke of Oceanside, CA. Patrick and Marge McCarthy were founding members of Leisure Village Community, now Ocean Hills Community in Oceanside, CA. They had many dear friends and neighbors in their close knit community. The Funeral Mass will be held in St. Thomas More Church in Oceanside, CA on Wednesday, November 12 at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, Patrick's family humbly requests that contributions be made in Patrick's memory to any local chapter of Veterans of Foreign War or any organization that supports the needs of U.S. veterans.