Thomas John McCarthy

Thomas John "Slim" McCarthy passed to eternal life on Thursday, October 24th with family at his bedside.
Born on January 16th, 1940 in the Overbrook section of West Philadelphia to Irish immigrant parents, John and Bridget, Tom attended St. Thomas More Catholic High School and graduated in 1957, while establishing himself as mayor of his West Philly streetcorner. After graduation, he joined the United States Air Force and served as an operations specialist with HQ 8th Air Force, Strategic Air Command, Westover Air Force Base in Massachusetts.
While on leave in 1961, Tom met and married the love of his life, Lynda, in Wildwood Crest, NJ. Discharged in 1961, he moved to Secane, PA where he worked for Boeing, playing an instrumental role as a quality control inspector on the CH 47 Chinook dual rotor troop transport assault support helicopter development team. In 1967, Tom heard the call of the wild and, yearning for a life out of the office, began his career as a big rig, 18-wheel truck driver. A proud member of Teamsters Local 312 in Chester, PA, Tom's support of Union leadership during the volatile 1970's was vital to the union's growth and success. In 2012 "Buffalo Duck," as he was known among the truck-driving community, retired after a savage 45 years on the road.
Living nearly 50 years in Delaware county (Secane, Springfield and Newtown Square) Tom decided to move next door to his daughter Stephanie and family in the wake of his wife Lynda's passing in 2010. Tom thrived in Wilmington, where he was known around town as "PPop," becoming an avid golfer, exceptional bowler and an all-star member of Fresenius dialysis team attending dialysis three times a week. Tom also loved European travel, cross country road trips and cars, especially Corvettes.
Tom was the beloved father of his eldest daughter, Tracy and twins, Todd and Stephanie, who adored him. Tom will be remembered for his larger than life personality, West Philly walk, generosity with his opinions, devotion to family and loyalty to friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Bridget McCarthy; siblings, Charles and Bernadette; and wife, Lynda. Tom is survived by his children, Tracy (Rick Ulmer), Col Todd D. McCarthy (USMC Ret) (Meredith), and Stephanie (Doug Gramiak); adoring grandchildren, Ethan (Ally), Graham, Blake, Kaitlyn, Carter and Margo; and his loyal dog, Louie.
A Celebration of Thomas' life will be held on Sunday, November 10, at Ed "Porky" Oliver Golf Club, 800 North DuPont Road in Wilmington, DE, beginning with a program at 1:00pm and continuing with storytelling and fellowship until 3:00pm.
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