John McCarthy III

1946 - 2025

John Joseph McCarthy III led a life marked by fun, mischief and a deep love for Carol, his wife of 53 years. John was a man of many names, but his essence was always defined by his big Irish heart. There wasn't anything that Carol's sensitive and tough "Spanky" couldn't fix with enough research. To his friends, "Johnaaa" was the life of the party: an Elvis karaoke sensation, a loyal fan of the green bottle and someone who enjoyed hijinks in all forms. Love him or hate him, you always knew where you stood with him. John spent four years in the Navy during the Vietnam War before coming home to meet and marry Carol and start his 38-year career with MSD. His greatest joy was family, as evidenced by the many years he helped coach his kids' various sports teams. Later he took joy in cheering on his seven grandkids in all their endeavors. He played racquetball religiously for over 50 years and picked up golf later in life, although a self-admittedly terrible player whose best hole was #19. On Sept 25th, John returned to God after a brief but intense fight with lung cancer. May he spread as much joy and love in heaven as he did in his 78 years on earth.

John is survived by his wife, Carol; his daughter, Erin McCarthy (Matías Lopez Sancho); his son, John McCarthy IV and his grandchildren Braden, John V, Emilio, Guinevere, Julia, Silas and Daniel.

John donated his body to SLU Medical School. Memorial contributions may be made to the Jennifer and JR O'Hanlon Memorial Scholarship Fund via Pinellas Education Foundation, 12100 Starkey Road, Largo, FL 33773.