John McCarthy OBITUARY
John McCarthy passed quietly at his home on June 24, 2024, after a valiant 2-year fight against cancer. He was born in Manchester, CT in 1943 and lived in the area all his life. Following high school, he joined the U.S. Navy which gave him a chance to see the world and serve his country on board the USS Dewey. His most memorable experience during his tour was being part of the Cuban Blockade as a radar man. Honorably discharged in 1966, he is a Shellback, a member of the Order of the Blue Nose, and a Vietnam Veteran.
After the Navy he went to UConn where he met his wife, Linda. After college they moved to Vernon, CT. John worked for the Hartford Insurance Group until his retirement after 33 years of dedicated service.
John was an avid baseball fan and was heavily involved in the Vernon Little League during and after his sons’ involvement, holding positions as board president, player agent, and Umpire-in-Chief. He also umpired high school and legion baseball for over 2 decades into his 70’s, always promoting good sportsmanship and freely giving advice to young players on how to improve their game.
Come nightfall, John was a world-class bowler, stacking up three 300 games during his career. Tournaments under the American Bowling Congress took him across the country for 20 years, always remembering to bring t-shirts home to his family. Teammates from the 1970’s through the 1990’s remained some of his closest friends.
John leaves his wife, Linda, his sons Michael and Ryan, Michael’s wife Jessica, and grandsons Connor and Owen. He also leaves Linda’s large extended family which quickly accepted him as one of their own.
John will be remembered as a good friend, a loving husband/father/grandfather, a ball player, golfer, bowler, pool player, water skier, coach, umpire, and diplomat.
All are welcome to join the family for calling hours at the Ladd-Turkington & Carmon Funeral Home, 551 Talcottville Road in Vernon, CT, 06066 on Friday July 12, 2024, from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family asks to consider donations to the Vernon Senior Center, 135 Bolton Road, Vernon, CT 06066 and the Burlington-Harwinton Little League P.O. Box 1154, Burlington, CT 06013. To leave a condolence, please visit www.carmonfuneralhome.com
