Michael “Mike” McCarthy, 85, formerly of Derry, passed away Sunday October 19, 2025, at All-American Assisted Living in Londonderry, NH. He was born on July 28, 1940, in Cambridge, MA, son of the late Michael and Mary (Guerin) McCarthy.
“Grumpy” as he was most fondly known had many names – Mike, Fran, Franny, Frank, Uncle Fran, Uncle Foo (likely among others).
Before he was “Grumpy”, Mike proudly served his country with the US Marines. He worked as a truck driver for many years and was a member of the Teamsters Locals 25 and 633. After he retired, he became “Mr. Mike” at Grinnell Elementary School, where he was a beloved custodian.
Grumpy and Marie loved spending time with their family and were staples at their grandson’s sports and school events. Their most cherished time was spent at the lake in Ashburnham, at the cottage they purchased over 50 years ago. Family and friends would gather every summer and could find Grumpy sitting at his table on the porch or his chair on the patio, always ready for a chat about Boston sports, the 6 o’clock news, or the route you took to get there.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Marie (Carnes) McCarthy of Londonderry, his daughter Kathleen Boucher and her husband Jeff of Salisbury, NH, his grandchildren Brett and his wife Erin and daughter Nora, and Scott and his fiancée Mikayla, along with many nieces and nephews and their families, who he loved very much. Mike was predeceased by his daughter Patricia in 1983 and his two sisters Catherine “Kay” Fahey and Eileen Murphy.
Calling hours will be held on Thursday October 23, 2025, from 9 – 11am at Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 15 Birch Street, Derry, NH. A funeral service will begin at 11am in the funeral home. Burial will follow in the Forest Hill Cemetery, East Derry Road, Derry, NH.
At Mike’s request, please do not wear a tie.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or at https://www.stjude.org/