Robert F. McCarthy

Robert Francis McCarthy, of Waltham, Massachusetts, passed away December 29th 2025, surrounded by his family, after a long and courageous battle with Lewy Body Dementia.

He was born in Brighton, a son of the late Edward and Rita (Wainwright) McCarthy on February 2, 1951 but was a lifelong Waltham resident who took great pride in his community and the people in it. He was a proud member of the Waltham High School, class of 1970, a connection he carried with him throughout his life as a devoted supporter of Waltham High School athletics, especially football, hockey, and lacrosse.

Bob built a long and respected career with the MBTA. Through hard work and dedication, he worked his way up and eventually became an instructor on the Green Line, at Riverside in Newton. After retiring from the T, Bob continued to serve the City of Waltham by joining the Parks and Recreation Department. He spent countless hours at the hockey rink during the fall and winter months, and at the spray parks and Prospect Hill during the spring and summer. He always said his favorite job was driving a school bus for the city. He took pride in getting to the bus yard early on the cold winter mornings to get the buses started for his friends so they would be ready to go and the kids would all be able to get to school safely and on time. He became a familiar and friendly face to generations of Waltham families and he always took the time and went the extra mile for people.

A true community man, Bob dedicated many years to Warrendale Little League as a coach and to Waltham Youth Hockey as a coach but also as the President of the organization for years. Giving his time and energy to support young athletes and strengthen local programs was one of the joys of his life. His commitment to youth sports and community life reflected his generous spirit and deep love for his community. He also loved the time he got to spend down at the beach with his family in Plymouth where he was an active member of the White Horse Beach Association.

Bob leaves behind his devoted wife of 48 years, Susan (Campbell) McCarthy; his sons, Ryan and his wife, Beth (Caporiccio) of Waltham, David and his wife, Bianca (Montoya) of Worcester, and Andrew and his wife, Lisa (Kennen) of Hudson; his cherished grandsons, Connor and Liam of Hudson; and his brother-in-law Bruce Campbell and his wife, Jacqui (Hudon) of Portsmouth, NH. He is also survived by cousins, nieces, nephews, and many great-nieces and great-nephews. Bob was predeceased by his father and mother, Edward and Rita, as well as his brother and sister, Paul and Karen, all of Waltham.

Bob will be remembered for his kindness, dedication, and unwavering commitment to his family and community. His presence will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Family and friends will honor and remember Bob's life by gathering for an Afternoon Wake in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham, on Saturday, January 17th from 12 to 3 p.m. Burial is private.

In lieu of flowers expressions of sympathy may be made to Saint Jude Children's Hospital: https://www.stjude.org/