David John McCarthy

David “Dave” John McCarthy, age 62, of Mechanicsburg, PA died on Wednesday, June 12, 2024. Dave was born on Monday, July 24, 1961, in Staten Island, NY to the late John “Mac” McCarthy and Claire Beatrice (Pratt) McCarthy. In addition to his parents, Dave is preceded in death by his aunt, Verna Rosenfield of Fort Myers, FL.

Dave’s survivors include his life partner of over 30 years, Edward “Ed” Schell of Mechanicsburg, PA; his three siblings: Claire McCarthy of Millis, MA, Katherine “Kathy” McCarthy of Staten Island, NY, Michael McCarthy and his wife Louie Butler, of Austin, TX; three nephews: Sean McCarthy and his wife Michelle McCarthy of Oak Ridge NJ, Brendan McCarthy of Wedowee AL, Craig McCarthy of MO; and four great nieces and nephews: Cassidy McCarthy and Bryan McCarthy of Tobyanna PA, Wyatt McCarthy and Wade McCarthy of MS. 

Dave graduated from Tottenville High School as part of the class of 1979 and from Raritan Valley Community College in Branchburg, NJ. He retired from New Jersey Veteran’s Memorial Home at Menlo Park in 2019 after years of service working as a Licensed Practical Nurse. Prior to his time as an LPN, he spent 30 years as a home builder/framer. Dave built many homes including five of his own. He was a kind and gentle man who was always compassionate towards others. Dave had an easy-going personality and was always there to help anyone who was in need. He could always brighten up a room with his teasing and great sense of humor. Dave was an excellent woodworker and enjoyed fixing things. He was an avid Mahjong player and enjoyed going to the casino. On days he stayed at home, Dave loved to garden and take care of his plants. He was quite thrifty and was excellent at fixing things, especially on projects that showcased his woodworking skills. Dave had many hobbies, but always made his family a priority. He will be dearly missed by those who were fortunate enough to have known him.

All are welcome to join Dave’s family at his viewing on Sunday, June 16, 2024, from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, 147 Main Street, Flemington, NJ 08822. Dave’s Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Monday, June 17, 2024, starting at 10:00 a.m. at St. Catherine of Siena Roman Catholic Church, 2 White Bridge Road, Pittstown, NJ 08867; with a graveside service immediately following at Locust Grove Cemetery Quakertown Rd, Pittstown N.J. 08867. Family and friends are invited to join Dave’s family at his celebration of life open house and gathering of family and friends on Sunday, June 30, 2024, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. with a time of remembrance at 3:15 p.m. at Buhrig’s Gathering Place, 25 East Main Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055, (717) 766-3421 (next to Buhrig Funeral & Cremation). (Please call or text 908-391-5661 to be included on the June 30th event as a head count is needed.)

Contributions in celebration of Dave’s life can be made to Alzheimer’s Association, https://act.alz.org/site/Donation2; or Claire McCarthy’s Ride to End ALZ, https://act.alz.org/site/TR/Ride2024/MAMassachusettsNewHampshire?px=20081311&pg=personal&fr_id=17204.

Dave’s family has entrusted his care to Buhrig Funeral & Cremation in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421. Read Dave’s obituary, offer condolences and sympathy, share stories and memories, upload photographs and videos, light a candle and sign his official guest book by visiting Buhrig.com.