Joseph Howard McCarthy Jr.

1927 - 2011

McCarthy, Joseph Howard, Joseph Howard McCarthy Jr. (Howard) passed away peacefully on November 8, 2011, in Reno, Nevada with each one of his sons and daughters at his side. He was born on January 28, 1927, to J. Howard McCarthy and Helen (O'Neill) McCarthy in Denver, Colorado. After serving in the United States Navy in World War II, he attended Denver University and attained a degree in Chemistry. He married Henriette Neubuerger, in 1949.
Howard enjoyed a 50 year career with the U.S. Geological Survey, Department of Interior. He worked as an exploration geochemist and developed analytic and exploration methods that resulted in the discovery of ore and mineral deposits throughout the United States and abroad. He authored and published many articles and professional papers, which are still referenced today.
In 1988 he transferred to the U.S. Geological Survey branch at Mackey School of Mines, University of Nevada, Reno; where he taught as a Professor Emeritus until his retirement.
Though Howard had great accomplishments in his life, he remained a very humble and caring man. Throughout his life he was faultless in helping those in need.
He is preceded in death by his wife Henriette who died of cancer in 1969. His survivors include sons, Thomas (Diane) McCarthy of Boulder, Colorado, David (Rosie) McCarthy of Greenwood Village, Colorado, Steven McCarthy of Longmont, Colorado; daughters, Jennifer Reanier of Klamath Falls, Oregon, Laura Daniels of Reno, Nevada, Michelle McCarthy of Las Vegas, Nevada; and grandchildren, Courtney, Katherine, Meghan, Molly, Maurissa, Margaret, Sasha, Zachary, Iesha, Anthony, Kyana, and Imani.
Howard will be greatly missed by his family and friends, who loved him deeply, and we are grateful for his love for life that he shared with us.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to Habitat for Humanity. Services announcement to follow.