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A Tribute to My Dad
Lisa Sheehan
April 16, 2011
My Dad was a compassionate, generous, spiritual, and loyal person who made his seven children aware that being a member of a wonderful family is a privilege which costs nothing but love. It is that love for each of his children and his wife of nearly sixty years that resonated in every decision he made in his life. Above all other things, my father cherished his family. His love for my mother, sisters, brothers, and for me, was unwavering and without condition. There was nothing we needed that he wouldn't provide for us, within reason of course, and no struggle to great to protect us.
As our family spent countless hours visiting Dad this past week at Exeter Hospital, each day proved to be a spiritual experience. We witnessed sorrow turn into joy as our family shared with Dad many memories of our lives. Dad always assured us that "everything happens for a reason" and that something good will come out of it. Well our family has had its share of challenges throughout the years, but when we reflect on the present day product we have seven devoted children and their spouses, nine adoring grandchildren, and two precious great grandchildren who talk and laugh together and genuinely love one another. It is due to the fabric my parents wove together to create the unique McCarthy tapestry that resides in each one of our hearts.
Dad was a man with boundless energy. Since the early years at Valley Hill Drive to Old Colony Road and finally landing permanently at Ocean Blvd Dad was eager and ready to go at any moment. Whether he was packing our family in the station wagon for a day of skiing, skating, sledding, or sailing the ocean on his schooner Pisces, my father loved adventures. Not only did he love entertaining his family, but Dad always included many of our friends on our adventures. He always felt the more the merrier and all of our friends felt the warmth of his invitation. Our friends loved spending time with our parents. Dad's zest for life was deeply felt by all who knew him.
My father was the most generous man I have ever known. He was a man of his word. If he shook your hand to seal a deal, he was committed to you. He was loyal to all who knew him. My father was a man of great integrity and had a heart of gold for all mankind.
Twenty one years ago Dad met a challenge that left him unable to communicate verbally and paralyzed his right side of his body. That impairment did not stop my dad from living a fulfilled life. He was challenged, but Dad made the most out of a situation that would have left most people devastated. Dad's positive attitude and my mother's abiding love made my father's life by the sea a memorable one for our family and the entire Hampton community. Dad was often seen walking Ocean Blvd in his blazer to get some exercise and meet his friends. He might have been a man of few words, but everyone he communicated with could understand his message.
Dad’s final burst of love came as my sister, Taryn and I prayed beside Dad during what would be my father’s final hour of life. As we knelt down on the ground, holding Dad’s hands, we recited the Lord’s Prayer. As we concluded the prayer my father squeezed Taryn’s hand, with the hand that had been paralyzed for the last 21.5 years. Dad wanted us to know he was at peace and would be returning to God’s Kingdom to be reunited with his mother and father.
See Here, Dad....It is now time for you to rest knowing that your legacy will continue with your children, grandchildren and great children. Until we meet on the other side, fair winds and following seas. We all love you and will watch over Mom until she is reunited with you. I love you, Lisa
Susan Pope
March 30, 2011
Dad,
I miss you. It has been just over two months since you passsed and a day does not go by that you are not in my thoughts! I love you and wanted to say I love you
Susan
Richard Herr
February 26, 2011
A SILENT PRAY
The toll of the ship’s bell reminds us of the reverence we owe to our departed Shipmate and to those who guard the honor of our country upon the sea, under the sea, in the air and upon foreign soil.
Let it be a reminder of the faith they confide in us. Let us who gather here not forget our obligations and in silence breathe a prayer for our absent Shipmate.
USS Gherardi
February 7, 2011
John joins me in sending our deepest sympathy to all of you.
Thinking of you and knowing there are a lot of photos and a lot of memories to hold dear. Love, Sareen for Sareen and John
Joe Burgoyne
January 27, 2011
Dear Jay,Steve,Duffy and family
I was so sad to hear about Dads passing. I met him years ago at the shows selling and marketing Dacor Brick. I remember him telling me all the things I would like about this business and things I may not. He was so honest and engaging in conversation. A sharp business man with tremendous people skills.
Thank you for sharing him ,my deepest sympathy and condolences
Don Chace
January 26, 2011
Jay, Stephen, and Duffy. I was so sorry to hear of the loss of your father. Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Peter Foley
January 26, 2011
Jay and All McCarthys,
Your Dad was a man for all seasons to all who knew him. His caring, steady manner touched so many. One memory that always brings a smile is to recall his coaching of the Little League team, McCarthy Plumbing. He had a way with people that was so rare, once you experienced it you never wanted to be away from it. His gifts will keep on giving to so many.
Peter Foley
Sagan
January 25, 2011
Family,
I'm so sorry I can't be there with you all to celebrate Grampy's life and wonderful family today. My thoughts have been with you all this past week and especially today. I love you all, and I count my blessings all the time to know that you are my family.
All My Love,
Kerry Barnes
January 24, 2011
Duffy and McCarthy Family my condolences and thoughts are with you as you lay your father-husband to rest. I am so sorry I wont be able to make the wake or service. May he rest in peace! I have very fond memories of Mr. McCarthy from High School. Sincerely, Kerry Barnes
Michael Lindbert
January 24, 2011
Jay, Stephen, Duffy,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as you lay your father to rest. I am sure your dad left a wonderful legacy of memories for all of you to remember.
May he rest in peace.
Sincerely,
Michael Lindbert
Steven Byrnes
January 24, 2011
Susan,
I was so sorry to hear about your Dad's passing. My thoughts, prayers and deepest condolences are with you and your family. May he rest in peace.
Suzanne Martin
January 23, 2011
Jane, I am so sorry to hear of Allen's death. He was a wonderful man. My prayers are with you and all your children. You have a great family and I'm sure they will be of great comfort to you. Love you.
Joan (Donoghue) Johnston
January 23, 2011
"Uncle" Allen always had a smile on his face, especially during those glorious summer days at Hampton Beach!
Thoughts, prayers and fond memories are sent your way at this difficult time.
Jon Rourke
January 23, 2011
To all of the McCarthy's: Our thoughts are with you upon the passing of your Dad. My mind is filled with so many wonderful memories of the spirit he spread on this earth. He truly lived large and well and we were all the better for it. Our lives would not have been the same without him.
Eben nASH
January 23, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. May you always calm seas and a following wind.
Catherine Kempthorne
January 23, 2011
Love and prayers to you all. Mr. McCarthy was truly one of my favorites. I have so many memories of him and all of you. May he rest in peace.
love and my deepest condolences,
Gert xoxox
Jay McCarthy
January 22, 2011
Dad, I want you to know that you were the greatest father anyone could ever wish to have, I am so proud to be your son. You taught me so much, your confidence in me gave me the courage to do things at a young age that others only wish they could have done and helped me grow as a man and become the person I am today. I am so proud and happy to be from our family, we truly do have a special one and that came from you and mom. I want you to know we all will take care of mom for you and some day we will all be together again. Rest peacefully and know we all love you so much and you will be with me everyday. I love you and miss you
Jay
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