William J. McCarthy

1921 - 2018

William J. McCarthy, age 96, passed away at Ellis Hospital January 9th, 2018. He was born in Utica, NY on October 18, 1921 to Michael J. and Mabel (Curtin) McCarthy and moved to Johnstown, NY in 1922. After graduating from St. Patrick's Parochial School and Johnstown High School, he began work at General Electric in 1940.In his 41 years at General Electric, he graduated from the Apprentice Machinist Course, Management Training Program, and Advanced Management Training Program, and then worked as a Class A Tool and Die Maker, Planning Specialist, Methods Specialist, and Shop Foreman. He retired as Manufacturing Engineer in 1981.He also served as President of the GE Management Association, a Member of the GE Apprentice Alumni Association Board of Directors, Vice President of the Planners and Ratesetters Association, and Administrator of the Suggestion Program for the Large Motor and Generator Department.During World War II, he served for two years as a Combat Infantryman in the 12th Armored Division in Europe during the Battle of the Bulge, the Ardennes Offensive, as well as the Central European and Rhineland Campaigns. He was awarded the Bronze Star for Valor and the Combat Infantryman Badge, and his unit was awarded two Battle Stars and a Presidential Citation. He was honorably discharged in 1946 and returned to his work at General Electric.Following a lifelong passion for aviation, he earned his Private Pilot's License in 1971 and flew locally for 12 years, including two years in the Civil Air Patrol. He earned his Ham Radio License in 1980.He was a longtime parishioner of St. Luke's Roman Catholic Church, serving as Eucharistic Minister, Hospital Visitor, and Usher, and was a past President of the Men's Holy Name Society. He volunteered for 32 years making and shipping Braille editions of books of the Bible worldwide. He also assisted the Orphan Grain Train for many years, packing and shipping clothing and medical supplies to needy nations.Wherever he went, his sunny nature and spirit of helpfulness brightened everyone's day. He was recognized everywhere for his kindness and his perennial bow tie.He loved working with tools, and repaired or created many useful items for family, friends, neighbors, church groups, and charitable agencies. He had a very practical mind, and invented many assistive devices for people with disabilities by observing their particular needs. He rescued beloved toys, resurrected antique appliances, re-caned chairs, did almost all of the necessary house and auto maintenance, and often used the saying "we can fix anything but a broken heart". He loved melody too, and was often found whistling or singing at his work.He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Jane Matern McCarthy; his daughter Joanne Montanye of St. Albans, VT; his four grandsons, Robert Montanye of St. Albans, VT, Michael Montanye of Lowell, MA, Dan Montanye of Framingham, MA, and Peter Montanye of Burlington, VT; and numerous nieces and nephews.He was predeceased by his daughter Suzanne McCarthy Cutler and his brothers, Francis, Michael, and Richard.He has donated his body to the Anatomical Gift Program at Albany Medical Center. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at St. Luke's Catholic Church on Saturday January 27th at 11am.

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