John Joseph McCarthy

John Joseph McCarthy, 61, passed away August 1, 2025 at his home in Chesapeake, Virginia. He was predeceased by his parents Timothy Joseph McCarthy and Honora "Nora" Margaret Waters McCarthy; and his sister Margaret "Peggy" McCarthy.

John was born February 3, 1964 in the small town of Palmer, Massachusetts and was the youngest of his family. During his childhood, he was an altar boy at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church. At 18, he joined the United States Navy as a Machinist Mate. He honorably left the U.S. Armed Forces as a disabled veteran. He worked many years at Norfolk Naval Shipyard as a woodworker, owned his own business, and continued his civil service as a woodworker-mason at Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Mid Atlantic (NAVFACMIDLANT). During his career he was recognized with many awards, commendations, and letters of appreciation for his outstanding and professional work. He represented the epitome of dedicated public service, as a loyal and hard working employee, who ranks among the "Every Day Heroes." His diverse knowledge, eager participation, skill set, and customer satisfaction made him the prime example of quality public service. His willingness to help others, selflessness, hard work, and commitment made him one of a kind.

John enjoyed spending his time helping friends and family, playing "toss the baby" and going for a truck ride with his beloved Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Nora to his land in Zuni, VA. He enjoyed operating his John Deere Tractor, walking through the woods with his dog, and playing with his grandchildren.

John is lovingly remembered by his wife of 30 years, Susan McCarthy; his children Jason McCarthy and Kathleen "Katie" McCarthy (Joshua Halford). Other children include Christopher McCarthy and Kelsey Recklien (Clifford); his siblings Mary Ellen McCarthy, Daniel McCarthy (Noreen), Tim McCarthy (Randie), and Kathy Cable (Scott); his grandchildren Katherine, Regina, and Sofia McCarthy, Elijah, Malachi, and Matthias Halford (due this fall); his best friend Nora, his family, friends, and coworkers will miss him tremendously.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on September 6, 2025 from 3:00 to 8:00pm at the Elks Lodge #82 (2541 Gum Rd, Chesapeake, VA) In Lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Chesapeake Bay Retriever Relief and Rescue at cbrrescue.org/donate/makeadonation or a tree may be planted in his memory.

R.W. Baker & Co. Funeral Home and Crematory North Suffolk Chapel is serving the family. Condolences may be registered at RWBakerFH.com.