WILMOT, NH - Joseph John McCarthy, “Joe”, 64, died peacefully at New London Hospital on Tuesday, January 2, 2024, after a lengthy and courageous battle against metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Joe passed just mere months before his 65th “speed limit” birthday.
Joe was born on February 18, 1959, in Bronxville, New York to William J. and Mary Louise (Minetti) McCarthy of Yonkers, New York. Joe attended St. Eugene’s Grammar School in Yonkers, New York and graduated from Iona Preparatory in New Rochelle, NY, in 1977. Joe briefly attended Manhattan College but decided that college was not for him. Joe worked as a fleet manager/dispatcher for several limousine companies in the New York metropolitan area for many years. In the mid 1990s, Joe was employed as an executive chauffeur for the National Basketball Association. In 1998, Joe transitioned to an executive chauffeur position for the President of Madison Square Garden, a position he truly enjoyed
for several years. In 1998, Joe married Heather in Pelham, NY. After moving to New London in 2001, Joe began working for the New London Police Department as a dispatcher and remained there for 12 years. Joe then went on to work as a dispatcher for Irving Oil and Energy where he was employed until the time of his death. Joe also owned and operated Jenna’s Transportation and Delivery Service, providing transportation services to area airports and local destinations.
Joe was an avid sports fan. His allegiance to the Cleveland Browns was well known and often mocked by his family and friends. Much to his family’s chagrin, Joe preferred the Boston Red Sox over the New York Yankees. Joe, like his father, preferred college basketball to professional basketball. He would study rosters and statistics each March in preparation for March Madness. He would complete his brackets and stay up late into the night watching games across multiple time zones. He was proud of his 87% success rate in selecting the top Final Four, although his success in selecting the winning team fell just out of reach. Joe also loved watching NASCAR races. He was able to cross one item off his bucket list and participate in the Richard Petty Driving Experience where he was able to drive laps at 180 mph around the Orlando racetrack.
Joe will be remembered as a thoughtful, caring person who was happiest when doing things for others. Whether it was helping out someone who had lost their way, making his much celebrated red sauce with sausage and peppers for coworkers working on a holiday or helping with animal rescue activities, Joe truly treasured those acts of service. Joe could often be found listening to Andrea Bocelli and Rat Pack crooners during long drives and treatments and found comic relief in Jeff Dunham videos. Joe enjoyed tinkering with his cars and it was determined that he probably had every Craftsmans tool in his possession. Joe will be remembered by Jenna as a kind, stubborn, loving father who always encouraged her to put forth her best efforts and be the bigger person in situations that may not be ideal.
Joe is predeceased by his parents, William and Mary Louise, his beloved Aunt Rosemary, his brother in law, Patrick and niece, Hope Elizabeth.
Surviving members of his family include his wife Heather, their daughter Jenna and several pets including his beloved Huck who provided comfort and laughter during Joe’s most difficult days. Joe is survived by four siblings: Theresa McCarthy of Tarrytown, NY; Billy (Terri) McCarthy of Eastchester, NY; John (Loren) McCarthy of White Plains, NY, and Louise (Tim) Flynn of New Rochelle, NY. Maternal Aunt and Uncle Frances and Joe Biscoglio of Bronxville, NY; cousins Maria, Regina (Jim) and Joseph; Mother and Father in law Gail and George Carlucci of New London, NH and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, sisters in law Danielle (Danny) Hill of Murfreesboro, TN and Erin Mitchell of Troutdale, OR. Joe is survived by many nieces, nephews and extended family members.
The family would like to extend their utmost gratitude to Dr. Bradley McGregor and his team at Dana Farber for their care over the last five years. The family is also very grateful for the care provided by the staff at New London Hospital and the Lake Sunapee VNA.
In lieu of flowers, (there is a serious allergy), the family has set up a fund to make enhancements to the Hospice Room at New London Hospital for families facing similar circumstances. Memorial donations may be sent in Joe’s memory to New London Hospital Hospice Fund, ℅ Community Relations, New London Hospital, 273 County Road, New London, NH 03257.
At Joe’s request, there will be no funeral. Calling hours are scheduled for January 11, 2024 from 4-6 pm at Chadwick Funeral Home, 235 Main Street, New London, NH. Joe’s ashes will be scattered at a later date in his two favorite locations; Montego Bay, Jamaica and Lavallette, New
Jersey.
All are welcome to attend and celebrate Joe’s life.
Read More
