John Leonard McCarthy

John Leonard McCarthy, 85, known to his family and friends as Jack, passed peacefully on December 11, 2014 at Gulfport Memorial Hospital in Gulfport, Mississippi, with his wife Patricia at his side. Born July 30, 1929 in Naugatuck, Connecticut, he attended Naugatuck High School. Following graduation in 1949, he served his country on active duty in the US Army from 1949-1951, followed by the Air Force Reserves while an undergraduate at the University of Connecticut. After graduating UConn in 1955, he attended St. John's University Law School, attending classes at night and working for American Airlines by day, where he met Trish. After graduation, Jack worked for Merrill, Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith in New York, and later relocated to Old Lyme, CT where he took a leading role at the Department of Urban Renewal in New London, CT.
Jack later relocated to Long Island, NY where he practiced law in the public and private sectors for over 35 years, including serving as the Village Prosecutor for the Village of Brightwaters. Jack was active in his church and the community, serving in the Knights of Columbus and as head of the Parish Council at Annunciation Parish in Kiln, MS for many years. Jack's deep devotion to his Catholic faith was evident in his personal kindness and sincerity, and in his professional work. For many years, Jack was actively involved supporting pro-life initiatives, including politically in his campaigns for election as the Suffolk County District Attorney and New York State Governor. After retiring to the Gulf Coast of Mississippi, Jack spent countless hours volunteering in the recovery efforts in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, and later volunteering at the Mississippi Welcome Center for the John C. Stennis Space Center.
Jack was a loving and devoted husband, father, son, cousin and grandfather. Beloved by his grandchildren, he cherished the time he spent with them and was deeply proud of all of them. He had a tireless drive to help others, a deep love for humanity, and a dry, quick Irish wit. He had a deep awe and respect for nature, and passed this on to his children, taking yearly camping trips to the Adirondack and Catskill Mountains of upstate New York, the East End of Long Island and was happiest spending time picking up trash in the woods close by his homes, no matter where he lived. His legacy will be in his laughter, his patience, and his deep love for his family.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, the former Patricia Oakley; six children, Kathleen (William) Casey of Brightwaters, NY, Kevin (Kristen) McCarthy of Larchmont, NY, Christopher (Kristi) McCarthy of Rainbow City, AL, Deirdre (Ken) Currie of Scranton, PA, Caitlin (Christopher) Fletcher of West Haven, CT, and Erin McCarthy of Brooklyn, NY; 12 grandchildren, John, Genevieve and Annie Casey; Daniel, Elizabeth and Bryn McCarthy; Kathleen and Meghan McCarthy; Sarah, Brent and Sean Currie; and Owen Fletcher.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Annunciation Catholic Church, 5370 Kiln Delisle Road, Kiln, MS on Wednesday, December 17 at 10:00 a.m., with visitation one hour prior.
RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, Pass Christian, MS served the family and online condolences may be offered at www.riemannfamily.com
The family requests that in lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Priests for Life, founded by Father Frank Pavone, PO Box 141172, Staten Island, NY 10314