Michael Joseph McCarthy

MCCARTHY, Michael Joseph, February 24, 1961 to November 17, 2022.

Mike McCarthy was returned to stardust (his words) from his home with his family in North Chesterfield November 17. He was 61 and faced a cancer diagnosis two years ago with courage and determination to continue living a full and happy life.

Mike taught English at James River High School, where he had worked since moving to Richmond in 2013 to marry Cheryl Ireland, also a teacher. Mike loved teaching, books, music, doing household projects and building things. He first met Cheryl in the 1980s when they were both record store clerks in Toledo, Ohio, their hometown. Years later, while living in California, Mike arranged a reunion of record store employees just so he could see her again. They were married in 2013 on a beach in the Outer Banks. Mike was a graduate of the University of Toledo and earned his master's at the University of New Mexico. He taught in California, Michigan and New Mexico before settling in the Richmond area.

He will be greatly missed by Cheryl and her children with the late Tim Ireland: Chelsea (Brian Harte), Hayden (Alan Ireland) and Griffin. He loved being Papa to Cheryl's granddaughters, Finley and Rowan. His dog, LP, will miss sitting on his lap. Cheryl's parents, John and Barbara Kizer; and sister, Julie Kizer Ball (Roger) from Annapolis will also miss him; along with many dear friends. He leaves behind McCarthy brothers, Jim, Tom, Terry and Mark; and sisters, Mary Pat McCarthy and Anne Wessels; and a bunch of nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by parents, Dan and Katie McCarthy; and his brother, John.

In his last days, he and Cheryl listened to music turned up loud and to new books by Bono and John Irving. Two weeks ago, Mike told Griffin, "I had my life, I had my wife, I had music. It was enough."

A gathering will be held at a later date for friends and family. Cheryl appreciates all of the love, kindness and good food sent her way during this sad time.

In remembrance of Mike, please donate to a heartfelt cause and hold your loved ones tight.