John Dillon "Mac" McCarthy

A mass of Christian burial for John Dillon McCarthy "Mac", who passed away November 1, 2017 will be celebrated on Saturday, November 11, 2017 at 1:00 pm at St. Brendan Catholic Church, 1000 Ocean Shore Blvd., Ormond Beach with Father Thomas Barrett and Father James Queen as celebrants. Interment will be private. Friends wishing to call and pay their respects may do so Thursday, November 9, 2017 from 4:00 until 6:00 pm at the church. Mac was raised in historic Cold Spring, NY along the Hudson River and grew up delivering the morning & evening newspaper and selling pennants at West Point football games. He graduated from Manhattan College with a degree in Engineering in 1954 and lettered in track where he specialized in the discus. He enlisted in the Navy in 1955 and after completing Naval flight training was designated a Naval Aviator. His first squadron was the VF-84 "Jolly Rodgers", where he flew the world famous Chance-Vought F8 Crusader off aircraft carriers. The Crusader was the first Navy fighter capable of flying 1,000 mph. He then became an instructor pilot in the F8, and later flew it extensively in combat during the Vietnam War. He retired at the rank of Captain, USN after a career spanning more than 20 years. While stationed at NAS-Cecil Field Jacksonville, Mac met the love of his life, Carolyn Jones whom he married in 1963. They enjoyed the Navy life and had many adventures around the world. The arrival of their daughter Kelly made their family complete. Upon retiring from the Navy he moved to Ormond Beach, FL in 1980. He pursued a career in real estate with Hudson Realty and Benny Miles Realty and took great pleasure in helping his clients find the home of their dreams. Over the years with many great friends, he regularly played racquetball at Omega 40 and golfed at River Bend Golf Club. He was an active member of St. Brendan's Catholic Church where he was affectionately known as "Mr. Mac" and for many years cherished leading "his Gang" of altar servers. One of his greatest joys was when his grandson Andrew was able to become an altar server. Papa instantly became Andrew's biggest unconditional fan whether on the ball field, in the classroom, or trying to do the right thing. In every facet of his life Mac always found a way to weave in a good joke or two and always left people laughing with his joke telling. He is survived by his wife of 54 years Carolyn Jones McCarthy, Ormond Beach, daughter Kelly McCarthy Acebal (Christopher), grandson Andrew Acebal, Ormond Beach and many nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Brendan Catholic School. Condolences to the family may be shared at www.dalewoodwardfuneralhomes.com.