Robert Leonard "Bob" McCarthy

1950 - 2024

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Robert (Bob) Leonard McCarthy of Plum Island. Here he lived for 45 years with his wife Jeannie McGinn McCarthy and his 3 children, who were the joy of his life.

He peacefully passed away on Sunday, June 23rd, following weeks of loving at-home care provided by his family. He spent his final hours at the Kaplan House in Danvers surrounded by his loved ones.

Born in Peabody, MA on February 27, 1950, Bob was the son of the late Charles McCarthy and the late Mary (Leonard) McCarthy.

Bob joined the Army in 1969 after graduating from St John's Preparatory School. He was stationed in Korea as a military police Sergeant 1969 - 1971. He grew to love the country and the culture. Upon returning home Bob attended Boston University.

Bob spent the majority of his adult life working as a purchaser for Keiver Willlard in Newburyport. A company he grew to love. Following his retirement he spent his remaining years living out his true calling providing support as a substance abuse counselor. Bob had decades of sobriety and found purpose and meaning in being of service to others.

He enjoyed early morning walks through Moseley with his dog Lady and one of his dearest friends. Bob was most at peace at home and enjoyed the little simplicities; gardening, stacking firewood, drinking coffee on the deck and spending time with his grandchildren. Bob (and Jeannie) from a young age, had an adventurous spirit; back packing through Europe, living in a tent in Key West, travels out west. In his later years he continued to enjoy traveling this great country, but his heart always belonged to Plum Island.

Bob is mourned by his son, Robert McGinn McCarthy of Newburyport; his daughter, Janna McCarthy-Smith, and her husband, MacGregor Smith and granddaughter, Cammy Bee and his daughter, Mara Sullivan, and her husband, Ryan Sullivan, and grandchildren, Cayla Mae and Conor Robert, of Portland, ME. Bob is survived by his brother, Dr. James McCarthy, and wife, Andrea, of Osterville, MA, sister, Anne McClellan, and husband, Jack McClellan, of FL.
Bob is predeceased by brothers, SSG John McCarthy of Special Forces/Green Beret, who died heroically in Vietnam, and Peter McCarthy, who is survived by his wife Maryanne of Salem, MA.

Bob was a true blessing to all who had the privilege of knowing him. May he rest in peace and may his memory live on through the many lives he touched.

On Thursday, July 11th from 4 to 8 P.M., a wake will be held at Elliot, Woolworth & Rogers Family Funeral Home, 35 Green Street, Newburyport, MA 01950. In lieu of flowers, donations, in Robert's memory, can be made to the Kaplan Family Hospice House, 75 Sylvan Street, Danvers, MA 01923.