Paul F. McCarthy, 63, died of natural causes on August 23, 2016, in Captiva, Florida. Paul was an acclaimed business leader, attorney, environmentalist and world traveler. He is survived by his mother, Eleanor McCarthy of Hingham, Mass.; siblings, Michael (Maryellen) McCarthy of Hingham, Maureen (Jack) Ghublikian of New Seabury, Mass., and Jack (Cathy) McCarthy of Sudbury, Mass.; as well as 9 nieces and nephews and 9 great-nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his close-knit family at Captiva Cruises along with many devoted friends around the world who counted him as family. Born and raised in Boston, Paul graduated from St. Gregorys Grammar School and the Boston Latin School, earned an undergraduate degree from Stonehill College as well as an MBA and law degree from the University of Notre Dame, and a Masters of Public Administration from the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. Originally a corporate attorney at Sidley & Austin in Chicago, a career change into the boat and tourism business inspired the first architectural tours of Chicago from the water. Launching Chicago from the Lake, Paul embraced the boating, special events and hospitality business full-time. Winter weather led him to Florida, where he founded Captiva Cruises in 1986 to craft excursions to the nearby waterways and barrier islands. In 1991, Paul moved to Captiva full time, built McCarthys Marina and became a leader in the community, serving on the boards of the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation, the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce, the Captiva Island Historical Society, and the Captiva Civic Association. Paul has left a rich and full legacy of stewardship and ecotourism embodied in Captiva Cruises to respect and appreciate the natural beauty of Southwest Florida. In 2013, he was honored as the Business Person of the year by the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce. In 2014, he received the Junonia Award and the Chrysalis Award for Eco-Innovation in 2016. Both are prestigious awards sponsored by the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau and the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce. Paul had many varied interests and experiences, including six months service in the White House as Executive Director of the Americas Millennium initiative, culminating in the nations New Years Y2K Millennium celebration. He also served as Executive Director of Earth Day 2000 at the United Nations in New York. He recently completed a highly successful term as Commodore of the Captiva Island Yacht Club, where he led many excursions, including visits to the Americas Cup in San Francisco as well as Newport, R.I., and Havana, Cuba. Paul enjoyed skiing in Telluride and vacations on Marthas Vineyard. He had a generous spirit and a zest for life. He loved to share his laughter and passion with everyone who touched his life. A wake will be held Friday, September 9, at 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Dolan Funeral Home in East Milton, Mass., followed by a funeral Mass at 10 a.m., Saturday, September 10, at St. Gregory Parish Church, 2223 Dorchester Avenue, Dorchester, Mass. A celebration of Pauls life will also be held in Captiva, Fla., in early December; details will be forthcoming. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation, the Captiva Island Historical Society, the Barbara Sumwalt Museum and the Epilepsy Foundation.

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Published by The Patriot Ledger on Aug. 30, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Paul McCarthy

Sponsored by Dolan Funeral Homes and Cremation Services - East Milton Square.

37 Entries

Kevin Powers

April 12, 2017

I went to Stonehill College with Paul, I just received notice of his death from the School. I am saddened to hear of his passing. My best memory of Paul was at one of our class reunions. Paul started telling the story about gong down to Florida and buying a boat on a whim and piloting it back to Chicago, calling back to his law firm every week asking for more and more time. he had about 15 of his former classmates crying with laughter telling the story. That is what I remember most about Paul smiling, laughing and making everyone around him smile and laugh. I will always smile when I think of Paul, and that was his great gift, the gift of giving joy to others.

Leslie Wilson

September 21, 2016

Oh, my! So sorry to hear this sad news. Prayers and heartfelt condolences to all family and friends.

September 14, 2016

The quick wit, easy smile and heart warming laughter of Paul will always be remembered. May Paul and all his family receive blessings from God.
Brian Carter
Geneva Lake, Wisc.

Lesley Boney

September 9, 2016

Oh my...I am just stunned. My fondest regards to his family and all who knew and loved him. I worked for him for about two years as a crew et al when Captiva Cruises first came to Captiva and then after he bought out his Chicago partners. In my whole life, I have never worked for anyone as honorable and nice as Paul. I also did all his corporate graphics and logo design for Captiva Cruises when he bought the company, steering him to the fact people went on those boats for the wild experiences and what they could see around the islands; not some nautical sensibility as he at the time was hell bent on. We had a wonderful working relationship and friendship, and I feel so blessed and honored to have known him and worked not just for him, but with him. One of the few people I have ever met in my life who knew how to treat an employee well, have fun and love your work, and bring joy to his clientssuch a rare thing in this world. Blessings to all...I am so sad to hear of his passing, but feel so blessed to have known him.

September 9, 2016

Oh my...I am just stunned. My fondest regards to his family and all who knew him. I worked for him for about two years as a crew et al when Captiva Cruises first came to Captiva and then after he bought out his Chicago partners. In my whole life, I have never worked for anyone as honorable and nice as Paul. I also did all his corporate graphics and logo design for Captiva Cruises when he bought the company, steering him to the fact people went on those boats for the wild experiences and what they could see around the islands; not some nautical sensibility as he at the time was hell bent on. We had a wonderful working relationship and friendship, and I feel so blessed and honored to have known him and worked not just for him, but with him. One of the few people I have ever met in my life who knew how to treat an employee well, have fun and love your work, and bring joy to his clientssuch a rare thing in this world. Blessings to all...I am so sad to hear of his passing, but feel so blessed to have known him.

Mark Matanes

September 7, 2016

Don't think I ever had the opportunity to meet Paul, but just knowing he was a McCarthy from Boston makes feel confident that he left this world a much better place than when he entered it. God bless and keep you Paul.

September 7, 2016

When we were all kids, everyone wanted to grow up like Paul M.
He had the golden touch w/ not only school and businesses, but more importantly w/ people of every age and place in life.
He was a real class-act.
I hope we all learned a little something from Paul to make us better human beings... going forward!
Paul Driscoll MA

Carlos Dorta

September 5, 2016

Really hard an unexpected was death of our boss. We are all grieving and I'm sure we will do for a long time. More than a boss he was a family member, the head of the household, a friend. He will be missed!. I can't still believe or get it to my head that he is no longer there. Thanks for all you did for me and my family. Until we meet again, it was an honor meeting you, Paul F. McCarthy. Sincerely, Carlos

LeAne Suarez

September 5, 2016

Paul was truly a gem and always a pleasure to be around. I will remember him for his zest for life, smile, kindness, dedication to our community and of course, sharing the same birthday. Aquarians and Aquarians share a special bond and he undoubtable was one of my biggest cheerleaders. To the McCarthy family, I extend my heartfelt sympathy.

Peggy and Joe Brennan

September 2, 2016

"An Irish Blessing"
Death leaves a heartache no one can heal;
Love leaves a memory no one can steal.

Paul was a very gentle soul and wonderful person. Our condolences to Eleanor and the McCarthy family.

Roy and Inge Carena

September 1, 2016

So sorry for your loss our hearts ache for you. Paul was such an unusual kind, generous, thoughtful person. Our prayers go with you during this sad time.

Bobby Depauw

September 1, 2016

My Forever Classmate From Boston Latin School Always smiling. Always willing to help. Rest In Peace My Dear Friend.

Bobby Depauw Humarock, Massachusetts

September 1, 2016

We have lost a great friend and business associate for our island communities. Paul was an unique individual with a great enthusiasm for life and he will be sorely missed by us all. The Wells Family,Cabbage Key and Tarpon Lodge.

Barb Harrington

September 1, 2016

When I think of Paul, the phrase "A life well lived", comes to mind. He made the world around him a better place & those of us who had the good fortune to come into his circle are better for having known him. He is missed.

Dennis Curran

September 1, 2016

Paul-

I remember Paul well as his classmate from Latin School, as well as his mom who worked as a school secretary there.

He was a gentleman, and was a kind soul.

I am sorry for his loss.

Dennis J. Curran
Boston Latin School Class of 1970

Patty Callahan

August 31, 2016

To the McCarthy family,
I went to St. Greg's grammar school with Paul. He was always one of my favorite classmates. He was so smart and light hearted. His laugh has always remained with me. I wish I could have seen in Captiva, but from what I have read, it sounds like "boating" was his true joy thus making others happy.
I am sure he is making heaven even more joyous!!!
Rest in peace, Paul.

August 31, 2016

To The McCarthy family. My sincere condolences. I went to Boston Latin with Paul and only recently- last Thanksgiving stopped into the McCarthy Marina to say hello. Paul was friendly and charming. He said he could remember everyone in our first year home room and where they sat and I'm sure he could....I was hoping to see more of Paul as my partner and I recently bought a place in Ft Myers for seasonal use. I'm sorry I did not get in touch with him sooner. Its so true that we regret the things we don't do in life more than the things we do. Paul would have no regrets for what he accomplished and the friends he made. Thomas Bucelwicz

pat bailer

August 31, 2016

So sorry for your loss.I know how special he was to you all.

Michael Mullins

August 30, 2016

Ahoy Capt. Paul, hope you are still enjoying yourself. How are your arrangements in the next life.? Good seats, I bet! Hope you'll save hundreds of good places for your best friends as we migrate in your general direction.

How is John Boler, have you caught up with John yet?

Meanwhile, we'll be missing you and your creative ideas in the here and now. Hope you'll drop us a line and maybe put in a good word for us.

All your family and friends have great memories of times well spent and offer our prayers and best wishes for a great "afterlife". God bless and keep you.

Love, Mike and Cannella Mullins (Captiva, FL. and Greenwich, CT.)

Pat & Charlie McCoy

August 30, 2016

RIP, Paul. Condolences to all the McCarthys. Our hearts break for you. Love

dave cabiness

August 30, 2016

i was paul's cpa for many years until about 2013. i was always impressed by his honesty, kindness, and loyalty to everyone on captiva. we had some interesting business lunches during those years as i am a loyal republican and paul is well you know that other party. i sure hope god has a sense a humor and a democrat. i can assure you he will be missed greatly on captiva

August 30, 2016

Paul was such a wonderful friend, colleague and role model. I will miss him, his humor, contagious laugh, energy, creativity and generosity greatly. There will never be anyone quite like him. Love and prayers to his family and many friends and colleagues.
Annie Donovan, Plymouth, MA.

Elaine Crabtree Cocchi

August 30, 2016

Mrs. McCarthy & Family,

Paul was generous in Spirit and brought countless joy to family and friends. I know he will be an angel watching over us from heaven and missed by so many people whose lives he touched.

With all my prayers and sympathy to all of you during this difficult time.

August 30, 2016

Some people dont have to do anything but smile and the world is better

Patricia Byrne

August 29, 2016

To Mrs Mc Carthy and the entire family,
My deepest condolences.
Went to St. Greg's with Paul and remained friends. He was recognized for his intelligence, humor, loyalty and fun loving spirit. Had the pleasure of seeing him in Captiva.
Very special person and friend.

August 29, 2016

Paul, you will be missed by the many people that had the pleasure of being your friend on Captiva during these many years...Michael & Mary Bahn

August 29, 2016

"Some people make the sky more beautiful to gaze upon. They stay in our lives for awhile, leave footprints on our heart, and we are never, ever the same."
(~ Flavia Weedn)

I will miss you Paul, my dear friend from childhood and beyond...
Maureen Connerty (Roslindale, MA)

Carly Connors

August 29, 2016

Paul reminded me of Santa: gental laugh, warm smile, and the most loving person I ever met. I don't think I ever saw Paul with a frown on his face. Always a smile :)
I love Paul and until we meet again

Tom and Jeanne St. Ville

August 28, 2016

Such a tragic loss! We'll miss you my friend

August 28, 2016

Safe journey Paul. You were the spirit of Captiva...

Helene Hall

August 28, 2016

Paul was a dear friend and neighbor in Captiva. He always made everyone feel welcome. He was the fearless leader of our group in Cuba. Somehow, he managed 100 adults in a foreign country. He will be missed forever. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. Helene

Valerie Simpson

August 28, 2016

What a beautiful breath of fresh air! Captivia will have such a void, missig his smiles and his presence.
Heartbroken to hear of his passing. Paul rest in peace!

Dolores Clarke

August 27, 2016

We are heartbroken to learn of Paul's death. He was larger than life, a dear friend, and a whirling dervish of a man. Nothing escaped his notice. The room became warmer with his presence. He radiated good fellowship. We will miss him greatly.

Dolores and Jack Clarke

August 27, 2016

RIP MY Man.....til we meet again.
You were the best!

John Van Gessel

August 27, 2016

The Van Gessel family will forever be thankful for, and blessed by, our years of friendship with Paul. We were fortunate to be with Paul at Notre Dame, in Chicago and Florida and elsewhere, and we enjoyed every moment with him. He is loved, missed and irreplaceable. We was a good and wonderful man. Our prayers are with Paul and his family.
Donna and John, Anthony and Chrissie, Beth and Chuck, Jessica and Andrew

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