Gerald F. McCarthy

Gerald F. McCarthy
Gerald "Jerry" Francis McCarthy, age 68, a man dedicated to his family above all else, passed away peacefully on October 26, 2024, at Yale New Haven Hospital surrounded by his wife, children, and extended family. Jerry was born in Bridgeport, CT to the late James and Mary McCarthy, and was predeceased by his sister, Mary McCarthy, Christopher McCarthy, his nephew, and Brendan McCarthy, his brother.
Jerry always saw himself as a son of Bridgeport, and lived his life in service to his city. Having grown up on Black Rock Avenue in a large Irish family, Jerry strongly identified with his South End roots. He came from a working class family, to immigrant parents who both viewed Bridgeport as "home," as the place that gave them a life of opportunity. That work ethic and sense of gratitude was never lost on Jerry. He understood that hard work would be his path to success.
These lessons learned as a young boy informed Jerry's choice of educational path and professional life. Jerry completed his Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Bridgeport, studying Business Administration and Real Estate.
Shortly after graduating college, Jerry met Patricia ("Pat"), and the young couple were married on November 13, 1981. Over time, Jerry and Pat built a full life together. They eventually moved to the North End of Bridgeport, where they would raise their four children. Their house was a hub in the neighborhood; Jerry and Pat welcomed their children's friends into their home for meals or a swim in the pool. They never turned anyone away, such was their giving nature.
Jerry started his property management business, McCarthy & Associates, in the late 1980s, a line of work that played to his strengths as a people-person. Running from building to building, addressing emergencies at all hours, Jerry was never not working. Jerry was also engaged with his city in a variety of roles, including as a board member of the Bridgeport YMCA.
Jerry should be remembered as someone who was fiercely loyal to his family. He visited his aging mother as often as possible, taking care of whatever needed doing, whether it was cutting the grass or spending an hour listening to gossip. Grandma McCarthy (as many knew her), in return, always made sure there was Whole Milk available for Jerry to have with his tea.
Jerry was eternally proud of his children. If there was ever a relevant moment in a conversation where he felt he could brag about his kids, he would. He wanted the world to know what his children were capable of. In a life so full of achievements, Jerry would probably say that his greatest accomplishment had been being a father.
Jerry is survived by his wife of nearly 43 years, Patricia McCarthy (née Bendlak). He is also survived by his four children: Donna Gualtieri (Eddie), Melissa McCarthy, James McCarthy (Liza), and Patricia McCarthy (Justin Gavil); his siblings: Kathleen McCarthy Swanton, James McCarthy (Beth), and Kathy McCarthy (wife to Brendan); his nieces and nephews: Martin McCarthy (Melissa), Matthew McCarthy (Mary), Colin McCarthy (Beatriz), and Molly McCarthy (Stephen McCabe), Ryan McCarthy, Kyle McCarthy (Cortney); his grandchildren: Emma, Tommy, and Cole; his grandnieces and nephew: Mackenzie, Mason, Everly Rae, and Elowen; countless other family members – McCarthy cousins from Connecticut, Brooklyn, and Ireland, the Bendlak family; and friends who, because of his devotion and loyalty, thought of Jerry like family.
Friends and family may call on Sunday, November 3 from 3-7 p.m. at the Spear-Miller Funeral Home, 39 South Benson Road, Fairfield. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for Gerald on Monday, November 4 at 10 a.m. at St. Ann's Church, 481 Brewster Street, Bridgeport. For more information or to offer online condolence, please visit www.SpearFuneralHome.com.