Peter J. "Pete" McCarthy

Peter J. McCarthy, 83, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 18, in the loving arms of his wife, Connie.

Pete was born on January 5, 1943, in Philadelphia, the first child of Catherine Reilly McCarthy and Peter Paul McCarthy. With his father away serving in World War II, Pete spent his earliest years in a full house - his mother, her three sisters, and her brother all sharing one home. He was, in every sense, raised by a village and cherished as the center of their world. After his father's return, their family was completed with the arrival of Pete's beloved sister, Maryanne, with whom he shared a lifelong close relationship.

Pete attended North Catholic High School and La Salle College (now La Salle University), both in Philadelphia. Pete was an outstanding student, with parents who valued education greatly, and the influence of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales, who taught him at both schools. Throughout his life, Pete credited the Oblates for helping to develop his mind, faith, and service to others. Pete enjoyed teaching at La Salle, both early in his career and after retirement.

Pete led the Advertising, Communications, PR, Crisis Management, and Government Affairs teams for Arkema (formerly Pennwalt; Atofina), a global chemical corporation. A highly regarded leader with vast expertise, Pete led teams with vision and integrity, modeling excellence in all areas. Pete was a trusted, influential Public Affairs executive who was often sought out for advice and guidance by State and Federal Elected Officials, DC Trade Associations, Industry Trade Partners, City of Philadelphia Council Members and Non-profit organizations including the Philadelphia Museum of Art, The Barnes Foundation, The American Institute of Architects (AIA), and many other iconic institutions within the Greater Philadelphia region. Pete proudly represented Pennwalt in their partnership with the EPA and the United Nations in the Montreal Protocol, a landmark 1987 global treaty committed to phasing out ozone-depleting chemicals.

In 1966, Pete married for the first time and was blessed with four children, whom he cherished. Later in life, Pete moved to Wilmington, Delaware, where he married his beloved Connie. Their marriage was one of extraordinary love, kindness, respect, and partnership. Together, Pete and Connie created a happy, close-knit blended family, of which they were deeply proud. Pete's passing came just weeks shy of their 42nd wedding anniversary. Pete later became "Poppy", a role he was born to play. It was the joy of his lifetime to spend time with his grandchildren and great-grandchild.

Pete was a die-hard Philadelphia Eagles fan, and for many years, delighted in hosting football Sundays for family and friends. He also cherished quiet late afternoons on the beach in Ocean City, New Jersey, enjoying the sea air and the family he loved.

Pete had a generosity of spirit. For more than 25 years, he actively supported The Ministry of Caring, a Wilmington-based organization whose mission is to serve the needs of the poor with dignity, respect, and love. Pete served on a variety of boards in the organization, sharing his business acumen and helping the Ministry to expand its reach in the community. Just as important, though, Pete was passionate about the hands-on support he could offer to those neighbors who depend on the Ministry on a daily basis. Pete and Connie founded and chaired the Ministry's annual coat drive for many years, a labor of love that was recognized with the City of Wilmington's Award for Community Service. Additionally, Pete and Connie were honored to receive the Ministry of Caring's Homeless Jesus Award and Caring Bowl in recognition of their service to the Ministry.

Pete is survived by his loving wife, Connie; his children Carolyn, Sandra, Jennifer, and Peter McCarthy (Emma), Christy Hughes (Michael), and Kimberly Schneider (Bernard); his grandchildren, Nathan Hughes, Ryan Melia, Olivia Hughes, Emory and Ethan Schneider, and Lucia McCarthy; his great-grandchild Valerie Hughes; his sister Maryanne Coll; his sister-in-law Annette Schmidt (Jake); and his brother-in-law Ralph Croce.

Pete will be remembered for his steady presence, his deep love for family, his strong moral compass, and the quiet warmth he brought into the lives of all who knew him. We are all better for it.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Sacred Heart Oratory, located at 917 N. Madison St., Wilmington, DE, 19801. A visitation for family and friends will be held from 10:15 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., with the funeral service immediately following at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Pete's honor to The Ministry of Caring Inc. at 115 East 14th St, Wilmington, DE 19801, or you can donate at ministryofcaring.org