McCarthy, John F. “Jack” of Milton MA., formally of Hyde Park MA., passed away peacefully surrounded by his family after a hard fought battle with cancer on Monday morning, September 19th. Jack was known for his unmistakable Irish charm and colorful stories that he told often. Jack was a Coxswain in the Seabee’s during WWII where he received the WWII Victory Medal and the Asiatic Pacific Area Medal.
Upon returning from The War, Jack took a job with a printing company in the city. Although he was offered a senior position with the company, Jack decided to become a Boston firefighter. He was able to serve for 36 years where during that time, Jack was promoted to the Fire Inspector of Boston which he claimed was the best job he ever had.
Jack married the love of his life, Anna Lang McCarthy, in 1949 where they stayed happily married for 65 years until her passing in 2014. As we know, behind every great man there is a greater woman, in this case Anna, who was able work with Jack to establish the Village Forge Inc. Due to his legendary work ethic, Jack was able to turn this small basement sized operation into the great and well known company that it is today.
Although there were many, Jack would always tell you that his greatest accomplishment was his family. Jack was father to four children, Jackie, Jamie, Tina and David. From his children, the family has grown into 10 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren and his beautiful pug Bailey. Jack was able to instill hardworking loving values that have kept the family famously close to this very day.
Jack was sharp until the very end, telling witty jokes and even charming doctors and nurses alike with his infectious personality. He was the patriarch of the family and a true legend, or as he was internally known, the four-star General. Heaven has gained yet another angel and Jack will be missed by his family and friends alike. The pain in our hearts will never fully heal, but we all take comfort in knowing that you are now reunited with your other half Anna.
Jack was the father of Christine "Tina" Killeen of Derry, NH and her late husband James, James P. and his wife Asa of NC, David and his wife Cheryl of Walpole and the late John F., Jr., and the brother of Geraldine Boutin of Middleboro, William McCarthy of Hyde Park and the late Margaret Lang, Eileen Forsyth and Robert & James McCarthy and grandfather to 10 cherished grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Pius X Church, Wolcott Rd., Milton, Friday morning at 10. Visiting hours will be held at the Alfred D. Thomas Funeral Home, 326 Granite Ave., Milton, Thursday from 4 to 8 PM. Interment is private.