John McCarthy

John McCarthy
John F. McCarthy, 87, of Shelton, (formerly of Fairfield), passed away peacefully on July 13, 2024 after a long illness. John is survived by his loving wife, Betsy, and his five children, John McCarthy, Jr., and his wife, Tiffany, of Trumbull, Kay McCarthy, of Milford, Pat McCarthy, of Maui, HI, Maura Rhodes, and her husband, Chad, of Trumbull, Bridget McCarthy, of Fairfield; and his 11 grandchildren, Jack and Megan McCarthy, Erin, Molly and Keara Chapman, Libby, Carly, and Katie Rhodes, and Ben, Sean, and Caroline Rodriguez. He is also survived by Betsy's five children and their spouses and children, David Ryan, and his wife, Caroline, of Woodbridge (David, Victoria), Thomas Ryan, and his wife, Linda, of Easton (Joe, Nick, Meg, Jack), William Ryan, and his wife, Cristina of North Haven (Robert, Alexandra, William), Catherine Ryan Kolakowski, and her husband, Mike, of Lancaster, MA (Ryan, Ellie), and Patricia Ryan Chambers, and her husband, Mike, of Greenwich. He is also survived by his sister, Betty Anne Reboucas, of Salvador Bahia, Brazil; and three nieces and a nephew.
John was born on March 2, 1937 in Lynn, Massachusetts to Phillip and Elizabeth Rooney McCarthy. He grew up in Lynn and lived there until after graduating from college. He graduated from Boston College in 1958 and went on to get a Master's degree and PhD in Clinical Psychology from Catholic University America. After receiving the PhD, he took a position at the VA Hospital in Perry Point, MD. He worked there for four years which included time as a coordinator of the clinical training program. During this time, he also started his teaching career at the Universities of Maryland and Delaware. After Perry Point, John moved to Fairfield in 1967, where he took a position as a professor in the Psychology Department at Fairfield University. This began his 48 year career at Fairfield University. During this time, he also developed a private practice in clinical psychology and founded the University's Men's Ice Hockey team where he earned his nickname as "Doc" as their coach.
As an educator, clinician, and coach, John touched the lives of many people and was a positive influence to countless individuals. John led the ice hockey team from club status to varsity status and continued at the helm for 28 years. John was inducted into Fairfield University's Athletic Hall of Fame in 2002. During his time at Fairfield University, John served as the Chairperson of the Psychology Department for 12 years and was actively researching the relationship between syntax and cognition. In 2015, John retired and was appointed Professor Emeritus.
John loved to travel. Whether it was to present at conferences in Budapest or take his hockey team to venues in Alaska and Europe, he enjoyed seeing new places. He and Betsy traveled to many cities in Germany, Brazil, Hungary, and France, and enjoyed traveling in the United States as well. John also loved to play golf. For many years, you could find him at the golf course at The Patterson Club trying to lower his handicap. He was also an avid Boston College Football and Red Sox fan. John was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He and Betsy enjoyed their large combined family. He loved times where his children and grandchildren all gathered including his annual lobster festival on the back deck of Jennie Lane. He was always there to offer guidance, support, and encouragement to those he loved.
Along with Betsy, John has had wonderful caregivers. John's family would like to thank Elica, Sheila, and Deidre who made it possible for him to stay at his home. They would also like to thank Bruce and the staff at the Renaissance and the Hospice care team, including Audrey and Dana, for all they have done to make the last few months a bit easier. John will be dearly missed by all who knew him but his legacy will live on through his family and friends.
Calling hours will be held on Saturday, July 20, 2024 from 2:00-6:00 p.m. in the Lesko Funeral Home, 1209 Post Road, in Fairfield Center. A Prayer Service will take place at 5:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers please remember John by gifting to the Alzheimer's Association in his name, by visiting www.alz.org. For travel directions or to sign his online guest register, please visit www.LeskoFuneralHome.com