Justin John McCarthy Sr.

Justin John McCarthy, Sr., of Exton, Pennsylvania, passed away on Saturday, July 23 at the age of 76 surrounded by his loving family, after a six-year struggle with Parkinson’s Disease. Justin is survived by his devoted wife, Stephanie Valocchi McCarthy and his six children, Cristin McCarthy Vahey (Brian), Karen McCarthy, Shannon Kearney (Peter), Justin McCarthy, Jr. (Margaret Leddy), John McCarthy (Erin McNulty), and Casey Poretta (Joseph), fourteen grandchildren who fondly call him Grandad, eight brothers and sisters and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, his sister K.C. Kraenzle and brothers Michael McCarthy and Joseph McCarthy. Justin was born in Dobbs Ferry, New York to Frederick and Catherine McCarthy. He spent most of his childhood in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania and he was the fourth of twelve children. He attended St. Patrick’s School in Kennett Square where he served as an altar server along with his eight brothers. Justin was a 1964 graduate of Bishop Shanahan High School and a 1968 graduate of St. Joseph’s University. Following graduation from St. Joe’s, Justin and Stephanie married in Downingtown, Pennsylvania. Justin attended Officer Candidate School for the United States Navy in Pensacola, Florida and was then deployed to Vietnam where he served as a Swift Boat Captain. Justin was serving in Vietnam when his first child, Cristin, was born. Only hours after receiving a telegram informing him of Cristin’s birth, Justin’s boat was hit by enemy fire and Justin was injured, earning him the Purple Heart, as well as the Bronze Star for bravery. Following his return from Vietnam, Justin received his law degree from the George Washington University School of Law in Washington, D.C. He proudly served the Navy as a Judge Advocate General until his retirement from active duty. He continued to serve in the Navy until 1989 as a reservist, reaching the rank of Commander. Justin practiced law in various capacities, including being named partner at White and Williams in Philadelphia. He retired from his solo practice in 2019. Justin was blessed with the gift of gab. He was known to strike up conversations with anyone who crossed his path. He had friends at Wawa’s all over Chester County and he never missed an opportunity to crack a “Dad” joke with his restaurant server. He generously shared history facts and baseball trivia, which he remembered with ease. His children always fought to have him on their team in Trivial Pursuit. Justin spent his life in service to others and advocating for those in need. He performed countless hours of pro bono legal work for family, friends, and deserving causes. He volunteered for numerous charitable organizations and for his church, including serving on Parish Council at Sts. Philip and James Church, and various boards at Bishop Shanahan High School and Immaculata University. He was actively involved in fundraising for Bishop Shanahan High School and Villa Maria Academy High School, which his four daughters attended. As is evident from his acts of service, he was dedicated to Catholic education and instilled in his children the value of education and the importance of giving back. Visitation will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, July 27 at James J. Terry Funeral Home at 736 East Lancaster Ave., Downingtown. Additional visitation will be held on Thursday, July 28 from 9:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 332 Manor Ave., Downingtown, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. at the church. Interment will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Church Cemetery, Downingtown. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Bishop Shanahan High School at 220 Woodbine Road, Downingtown, Pennsylvania 19335 or online at www.shanahan.org.