Gloucester: Joseph McCarthy, one of the most colorful characters and beloved bartenders of Gloucester, died in the early hours of Tuesday the 23rd of December, one day shy of his 65th or 47th birthday. His death marked the end of a long battle with a pair of gardening sheers (Joe was an avid late-night pruner) and a short battle with cancer at the age of 64 or possibly 46. He would surely prefer that the general public believe the latter.
Born in Somerville on December 24, 1943, he was the son of the late Dr. Charles and Violet McCarthy. Many of his patrons may have enjoyed his quick wit and dry sense of humor without knowing the full extent of his scholarly pursuits. In fact, Joe was an avid reader and attended Northeastern University. Most would not imagine the almost cloistered life he led in private.
In his early years he pursued a career in surveying, but found that his passions lay elsewhere and that frostbite was no fun after all. He gave up measuring the rise and fall of the land for measuring shots and bringing Bacchanalial joy to the world.
From managing the Beef and Ale in Boston, to the Surf in Magnolia, to the Windjammer in Gloucester, he saw the rise and fall of many memorable eating establishments. Over the years he had a profound and lasting impact on the lives of many around him, keeping some in school and others alive (this includes a chocolate turkey that his brother Charlie got when he was 8). Over the last several years he has kept his longtime brother Charlie McCarthy well fed and entertained.
Joe is survived by his immediate family, his brother Charlie McCarthy, a niece and grandniece, Violet and Lily Gray, his nephews, Joe and Chuck McCarthy, a cousin, Frank J. Toronto and his family, as well as his extended family, Jean O'Hara, Betty Milligan, Judy Kaye, Jon Wonson... and a Fanny Farmer chocolate turkey (this list is, of course, abridged). They all meant the world to him. His deep and caring relationships with all of them might lead an observer to give him the title of mother, father, uncle, aunt, sister, or brother.
What waits for us cannot be seen through the opaque veil of eternity, but there can be no question that wherever Joe has gone, he is with long-time companion and love of his life, Bill O'Hara. You will probably find Madoline Barner and Jimmy Harris there too, preparing for the Grand opening of the Purgatory Bar and Grill.
He has left us all with hangovers, and now with heavy hearts. If you know Joe, then YOUUUKNOWWWWW he will never leave our hearts and minds, living on in our tales and memories... and certain mixed drinks.
A memorial service in celebration of Joe’s life will be held on Tuesday in the Pike-Grondin Funeral Home, 61 Middle St., Gloucester at 4 p.m. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to the North Shore AIDS Health Project, 67 Middle St., Gloucester, MA 01930.