JOHN FRANCIS "JACK" MCCARTHY

McCarthy, John Francis "Jack"
82, of Wellfleet, an English professor at Boston College for more than 40 years, died peacefully in the company of his loving family and friend at 6:40 pm, Wednesday evening, January 16, 2013, at Cape Cod Hospital in Hyannis, MA, following a prolonged struggle with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. He was the only brother of Marcia McCarthy de Onís of Centerville, MA. Born in Auburndale, MA, on February 25, 1930, Jack was the son of the late John F. and Marion (Roper) McCarthy. He was a graduate of Wellesley High School in 1947 where he inspired a classmate, future Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Anne Sexton, to write her first lines of poetry, according to Sexton's biographer. He went on to earn an undergraduate degree at Harvard and a master's and doctorate at Yale. In between attending Harvard and Yale, he served as an officer in the U.S. Army during the Korean War while stationed at Fort McPherson in Atlanta, GA. Jack began his teaching career as an English professor at the University of New Hampshire but spent most of it at Boston College where he specialized in British Victorian literature and had an abiding interest in poetry; and where in his honor, the McCarthy Prize, a cash award open to juniors and seniors, is given annually for the best collection of pieces of creative writing. Quiet, thoughtful, and good-humored, he was a popular teacher and a valued colleague, according to BC's Dr. John Mahoney. Jack enjoyed hiking the dunes of Cape Cod, watching birds, owning his beagles Jeff, Mister, Jake, Timmy, and Toby, and spending time with family and friends, especially Jeff Crabtree and the late Richard Buckley. He was a lover of the arts and the Red Sox, whom he was finally able to see win a World Series in 2004 after decades of patience. He faithfully attended performances at the Boston Symphony; and when he retired to Wellfleet on the Cape enjoyed and supported local chamber music ensembles as well as the Wellfleet Harbor Actors Theater (WHAT). He was also entertained by the antics of the growing flock of wild turkeys that occupied his backyard. Jack was a talented pianist and played the piano with passion throughout his life. He performed with local classical performers and said that if he had it to do over again, he might have chosen to become a concert pianist. In addition to his older sister, Marcia, he is survived by his nephew, Juan (Paco) de Onís of Brooklyn, NY, and nieces Francesca de Onís Tomlinson of Miami, FL; Teresa de Onís of Ocala, FL; Ana de Onís of Atlanta, GA; Alexandra de Onís of Centerville, MA; and Cristina de Onís of Damariscotta, ME; and many great-nephews, great- nieces, and cousins. An accomplished man, Jack was always very modest, considerate, and thoughtful. He was a loving and devoted brother, uncle, and friend. He will be missed greatly. Arrangements: Jack chose not to have a funeral and a private service will be held at a date yet to be determined. For more information or to express condolences, please contact Ana de Onís at
anadeonis@aol.com