Thomas J. McCarthy, II

Thomas J. McCarthy II, age 88, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 9, 2023, at his home in East Walpole, Massachusetts, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Boston, Massachusetts on January 31, 1935, he was the son of the late Thomas and Mary (O'Donnell) McCarthy.  He was raised by his grandmother, Sara O'Donnell, in Norwood, Massachusetts, where he graduated from Norwood High School with the Class of 1952.  Following his graduation, Tom took a position with Bird and Son, working in the floor covering division.

 

Tom married his childhood sweetheart, June E. Cronin, on May 16, 1953, at Saint Mary's Church in East Walpole.  The young couple made their home together in East Walpole and Tom was promoted to a supervisor's position at Bird and Son.  As a direct result of his dedication to his fellow workers, Tom was elected president of his union, strongly advocating for the other members in any negotiations.  In addition to working at Bird and Son, Tom found part-time work as a painter, working alongside Harley Bowden, and was tasked with painting many of the steeples around town.

 

In the early 1970s, Tom left the factory floor to take a job with John Hancock.  His insurance career began as a door-to-door salesman, explaining the benefits of purchasing a life insurance policy.  After taking several courses through John Hancock's educational program, Tom found himself in the financial planning office, helping his clients build and support their portfolios.  He took an early retirement in 1993 but continued serving his clients out of Audrey Dickinson Insurance in Mansfield for several years.

 

While he worked hard, Tom always enjoyed a social life full of excitement.  He looked forward to testing his luck at the Foxboro Racetrack, trying his best to pick the winning horse.  Tom brought his luck to work with him, often challenging co-workers to a game of cribbage while on break.  He was always the life of the party, entertaining everyone for hours with laughter and music.  His entertainment was often inspired by his favorite comedians, including Rodney Dangerfield, or his favorite members of the Rat Pack.

 

Throughout his life, Tom was an avid Boston sports fan.  He loved watching his hometown teams throughout the good years and the bad.  In his later years, he began watching golf, taking note of the up-and-coming players.  When the sports season wrapped up, Tom transitioned from television to his collection of books, finding himself lost in the story line of a history novel. 

 

Most of all, Tom loved spending time with his family.  He and June shared 70 wonderful years together, and he loved watching his children and grandchildren grow up.  He also loved engaging and watching the antics of his great grandchildren.  Nothing made him happier than when he was surrounded by those he loved, whether at home or at one of his favorite restaurants.

 

Beloved husband of June E. (Cronin) McCarthy.

Loving father of Debra J. McCarthy and her husband, Thomas, of Warwick, Rhode Island, Donna M. Giampietro and her husband, Andrew, of Walpole, June E. Gallagher and her husband, Patrick, of Foxboro, and Thomas J. McCarthy, III of Pawtucket, Rhode Island.

Cherished grandfather of Amy, Shannon, Bridget, Patrick Holly, Dillon Kelly, and Kevin; and great grandfather of Michael, Finnegan, Ella, Killian, and Chloe.

 

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Tom's Life Celebration on Wednesday, December 13th, 2023, from 9:00 am - 11:00 am in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole.  A Funeral Home Service will follow at 11:00 am and interment will take place at Saint Francis Cemetery in Walpole.

 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Tom's name may be made to Old Colony Hospice, 321 Manley Street, West Bridgewater, MA 02379.