Cornelius McCarthy, 76, of Worcester died, Friday, December 4th in the St. Francis Home, surrounded by his loving family and friends. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Judith A. (Kinney) McCarthy; two sons, William J. McCarthy and his wife, Debora, Michael J. McCarthy; his daughter, Jennifer A. McCarthy; three grandchildren, William J. McCarthy, II, Lauren S. and James E. McCarthy all of Worcester. He also leaves his sister-in-law, Linda (Kinney) Connell, and her husband, James of Port St. Lucie, FL and their children, Miranda Connell and Andrew Connell and his wife, Ashlee; and many relatives in Ireland, England, Canada and the United States. He was predeceased by two brothers, Jeremiah and Daniel McCarthy.
He was born in Cahirsiveen, County Kerry, Ireland the son of William and Hannah (O'Shea) McCarthy. At the age of 12 and a half, Cornelius arrived by boat at Ellis Island and settled in Worcester with his cousin, the late Eileen Horgan who provided him with a nurturing environment for many years. As a student at Sacred Heart Academy he established many loyal and lifetime friends. He later graduated from the former High School of Commerce, then took courses in Linotype at Fitchburg State College, Mr. McCarthy had been employed for 41 years as a Compositor and Proof-reader for the Worcester Telegram and Gazette, retiring in 2000. He will be remembered as a loving father, who with his wife raised three children, and was a guiding light to their friends as well as others, continuing this role until his death. His support for his children and grandchildren was constant, be it sports or school this was his life long work. As a devout Catholic, Connie was always helpful to those in need and a cheerleader for the underdog. He was long time member of St. Peter's Church. Connie was a ranger at Green Hill Golf Course, a member of the Greendale Retired Men's Club and its golf league, the Auburn Sportsman's Club and the Graphic Communications Union; an avid golfer with three holes-in-one to his credit. Mr. McCarthy also enjoyed boxing, all sports, especially the Red Sox, playing cards with the St. Peter's and St. Andrew the Apostle groups. Proud of his Irish heritage, he never forgot his roots. Connie and his wife loved Worcester. Whenever they were away from the city, he would say, "It's nice to go, but even better to come home."
The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to Dr. Michael Galica, Dr. Daniel Ouellette, the entire staff of the St. Francis Home and to Life Choice/Compassus Hospice, for the superb care and kindness extended to Connie and his family.
His funeral is Wednesday, December 9th from O'CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue with a funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. in St. Peter's Church, 931 Main Street. Burial will follow in Notre Dame Cemetery. Calling hours are Tuesday, December 8th from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. in the funeral home. Flowers may be sent or donations in his memory may be made to the Worcester Animal Rescue League, 139 Holden Street, Worcester, MA 01606.