WILLIAM H. McCARTHY

WILLIAM H. "BILL" McCARTHY left to be with the Lord on Saturday, 23 March, 2019 and according to his beloved wife, Rosemary, he was eh BEST husband in the world !!! Although they didn't have and children of their own, Bill was considered the patriarch of 57 family members.

In the Depression of the '30s his mother became seriously ill and his father was absent being unable to cope leaving Bill to watch over his younger brothers: James, Lawrence and Edward, while all four were housed at Parmadale Orphanage. His youngest brother, Bobby, whose twin Elizabeth had died of pneumonia, was with a family member while their mother was in Metro, formerly City, Hospital until she recovered enough to care for herself at home. But she sorely missed her boys and although visiting hours were two hours every other Sunday, she visited by bus EVERY Sunday just sitting on the front steps of her boys' cottage hoping for a short visit, which happened sometimes. and sometimes not.

In 1943, Bill quit school to work two jobs: POC beer trucks days and New York Central Rail Road nights. Soon he learned the union rules and became local chairman and financial secretary of RR lodge 1298.

Fast forward twenty years, Bill had become a skilled labor negotiator during both the Penn Central and Conrail mergers. In the 70s he was tapped to be a full time union officer until his retirement in 1987.

The family is particularly grateful to four of his nieces and nephews: Theresa, Patrick, Timothy and Mary; also Rosmar's sister, Ruthanne O'Leary, and friend Dr. Kathy Burton who have been supportive during the six+ years he was confined to Ennis Court Nursing Home.

A Memorial Mass will be scheduled and a private burial will at Holy Cross Cemetery.