Judson D. McCarthy Jr.

Judson McCarthy Jr. Obituary
Judson Dennis McCarthy, Jr., 95 years. 67 years as the beloved husband of the late Susan, nee McDonnell. Loving father of Anne (Rob Hess) McCarthy, Susan (the late Richard) St. Denis, and Judson D. III (Kimberly) McCarthy. Cherished grandfather of Kyle and Andrew (Stacy Pratscher) McCarthy. Dear great grandfather "GG" of Savannah and Jackson. Fond uncle of many nieces and nephews.
A life-long Chicago area resident, Judson was the youngest child and only son in his South Shore family. Referring to his three elder sisters he frequently spoke of having four mothers. As a member of the South Shore Country Club, where he met Susan at a very early age, he was exposed to many activities including horseback riding. He narrated this to his family recently: He was born in 1930 the Chinese Year of the Horse and at the 4th cycle of the 12 year zodiac, when he was 48, he reckoned he should have his own horse. He enjoyed many years of riding with his horsey pals in the Palos forest preserves. Also at an early age, his mother gave him some old money thus sparking his keen interest in coin collecting, a hobby he enjoyed his entire life and for which he won many awards.
Judd embarked on his first career at U.S. Steel South Works on the shores of Lake Michigan, first in the chemistry lab then working up in engineering and on to Manager of Production Planning. After the workday he taught Math to the Polish employees. They, in turn, taught him a variety of phrases in Polish, some of which can't be repeated. In 1956 he married Sue and they soon started their family, eventually outgrowing their apartment and moving to their long time home in St. Thomas More parish, where they were both active in the school and church. He was a lector/commentator at church and willingly carpooled to early morning band practice, little league games, cheerleading, and other family activities. Besides the children's pursuits he and Sue enjoyed decades as members of a small gourmet dinner group, complete with costume-themed events, as well as the Columbia Yacht Club, where he served on the maintenance committee. They did not actually own a boat but were social members who enjoyed OPB (other people's boats) as they would quip.
Judd was interested in everything and everyone. He had a well-honed grasp of facts and trivia which he called 'a font of useless knowledge'.
He was in the National Guard for 12 years, was keen gardener, an excellent bar tender, loved animals, could identify flora and fauna at a distance, could fix anything, could skip stones, and was a consummate gentleman opening doors for others even while using a walker. Upon learning of someone else's hobbies or interests he would research those subjects so they would have something to talk about next time they met.
After 32 years at U.S. Steel Judd took early retirement and immediately began 32 years at his next career, creating McFixit Home Maintenance, doing handyman work. He never had to advertise because his reputation for a job well done (and always under charging) spread by word of mouth.
Judd and Sue spent their retirement years in Crestwood, becoming actively involved at Incarnation Catholic Church, enjoying their expanding family of grandchildren and great grandchildren, and continuing to volunteer. They were both Eucharistic Ministers for Christ Hospital for over 30 years and took an active role in the St. Vincent DePaul Society at Incarnation. Judd and Susan's final home was at Smith Crossing Senior Living where they were Eucharistic Ministers. He also assisted with Mass, served on the Resident Council, and knew most of the employees from the servers and the maintenance folks to the CEO.
Judson's wit and wisdom will be much missed by those who knew and loved him.
Memorial Visitation Saturday, June 21, 2025 from 9:00 A.M. until 10:30 A.M. at the Becvar & Son Funeral Home, 5539 W. 127th Street, Crestwood, to Incarnation Catholic Church, 5757 W. 127th Street, Crestwood, for an 11:00 A.M. Mass. Interment private. In lieu of flowers, donations to Misericordia (www.misericordia.com), 6300 North Ridge, Chicago, IL 60660, would be appreciated. For more info: www.becvarfuneralhome.com or (708) 824-9000
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