William H. "Bill" McCarthy

William H. "Bill" McCarthy, age 96, Korean War U.S. Air Force veteran, a resident of Naperville, IL since 1968, formerly of Richland Center, WI, passed away on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at his home, surrounded by his family. He was born on April 28, 1929, in Des Moines, IA.

Beloved husband of 66 years to Sue Ann McCarthy (Roach), whom he married June 20, 1959, loving father of Kathleen (Doug) Hayden of Naperville and the late Patrick W. (Cecelia) McCarthy, adored grandfather of Erin Hayden and Shannon Hayden; Gabrielle McCarthy and Tia (Dylan Davis) McCarthy, devoted son of the late Daniel and Anita McCarthy, dear brother of Thomas (the late Mary) McCarthy, Kathleen (the late Ray) Alexander, Donald (Donna) McCarthy, the late Robert (Julia) McCarthy, the late Gerald (the late Gale) McCarthy and the late Harold (Pat) McCarthy, dear cousin, uncle, great-uncle, great-great uncle and friend of many.

Bill grew up in Richland Center, WI and was a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1950-1954 with overseas assignments in England and Japan, where he was assigned to Strategic Air Command (SAC), and worked on the B-12 Bombers in North Korea during the Korean War. After his tour of duty in Japan, Bill was reassigned to duty at Thule (AFB) Greenland. After serving he returned to Wisconsin to finish his college degree.

Bill later met the love of his life, Sue Ann, in Baraboo, WI at Devils Lake. He got married in 1959 and they have been inseparable ever since.

A food technologist, Bill was employed for many years with Campbell Soup, Chicago and Standard Brands, Schiller Park, IL. After retirement, Bill owned and operated Uncle Steve's Pizza in Naperville and later worked with his daughter, Kathleen, as the first real estate team in Naperville, the "McCarthy Team" at RE/MAX.

Bill was a calm and patient presence, known for his steady demeanor, quiet strength, and unwavering belief in God. His faith guided his life and shaped the way he loved others. Family was at the center of everything he did, and he found his greatest joy in time spent with those he loved.

Bill was a member of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Naperville, the Judd Kendall VFW Post 3873 and American Legion Post 43, both in Naperville. He was an enthusiastic fan of University of Wisconsin athletics and loved his Chicago sports teams.

At 96, his years were many, but never enough for those who loved him. His legacy lives on in the lives he shaped and the lessons he passed down– most of all, how to live with humility, loyalty and grace.

Bill will be deeply missed and forever remembered, as he was an inspiration to all.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2026, 9:30-10:30 AM at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 1500 Brookdale Rd., Naperville, IL 60563.

A Mass will follow the visitation at 10:30 AM in the church. Military honors will be held after the mass, followed by a burial at Saints Peter & Paul Cemetery.

Interment: SS. Peter & Paul Cemetery, 911 North Avenue, Naperville, IL 60540.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Bill's memory can be made to: Catholic Charities, Diocese of Joliet, Office of Development, 16555 Weber Rd., Crest Hill, IL 60403, (815) 724-1140, https://catholiccharitiesjoliet.org/ways-to-give/

Arrangements by Friedrich-Jones Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 44 S. Mill St., Naperville, IL 60540.

For more information, please visit www.friedrich-jones.com or call (630) 355-0213.