Obituary of Robert J. McCarthy
Robert J. McCarthy, 86, of Sayre, PA passed away peacefully in his home with his beloved family by his side on March 25, 2018.
He was born on June 29, 1931 in Towanda, PA, the son of the late Joseph and Florence (Bahl) McCarthy.
Robert’s life and first priority always was about family. He was the beloved husband of Carolyn House for 66 years, prior to his passing. Robert, with his wife Carolyn, avidly supported and attended every event that took place in their children’s, grandchildren’s, and great-grandchildren’s lives from sporting events to concerts, and everything in between. His support and pride in his family was always very apparent and unending. He frequently told all that he took “God’s Word literally when it spoke to go forth and multiply the earth.” He was a dedicated and loving husband, father, and grandfather, and he loved that he had become a great-grandfather and great-great-grandfather. For Robert, if you had family, you had everything you ever needed. He also enjoyed his animal friends, Molly the Cat, and the granddogs’ Dexter and Goose which played an important role in the family.
He was employed with GTE Sylvania as a Millwright for over 40 years, prior to retiring. He also enjoyed singing, dancing, and all styles of music but especially Polka. For many years, he was a Little League Coach and Boy Scout Leader. He also just loved hopping in the car with family and traveling all over the place, and if it appeared he was lost, his famous words were, “Every road leads to somewhere.” And apparently, he was correct, as they always ended up home or at their destination. Robert was a member of the Church of the Epiphany and a lifetime member of the Sayre VFW Post #1536.
He is predeceased by his grandson; John Michael McCarthy, daughter-in-law; Laura McCarthy, sister and brother-in-law; Jean and Ernest Heath, mother-in-law and father-in-law; Solomon and Olive House, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law; Susie and Norm Carpenter and Ella and Lawrence Gallow, brothers-in-law; Edward House, Mike Kutcher, and Pete Plestis, sister-in-law; Marion House, and several aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews.
Robert is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years; Carolyn at home, children and their spouses; Dennis and Vicki McCarthy of Sayre, PA, Kathy and Ken Devine of Athens, James “Jim” and Cindy McCarthy of Brackney, PA, Bob and Sandy McCarthy of Athens, PA, Bill and Lorraine McCarthy of Waverly, NY, John McCarthy and fiancé Lisa Flick of Sayre, PA, Lisa and David Cole of Sayre, PA, and Stacy McCarthy of Bath, NY, grandchildren; Joe and Kim McCarthy, Josh and Kim McCarthy, Kierstin and Richard Gardner, Sarah and Jeff Rae, Jen and Ed Franklin, Scott Devine and fiancé Carissa Belles, LouCinda and Dennis Gareau, Lisa and Jeff Webber, Kevin and Ruth McCarthy, Jamie and Chris Luettgenau, Melissa and Garrett McConnell, NikkiLee and Shawn Ringler, Billy and Lisa McCarthy, Heather McCarthy, Justin and Jess McCarthy, Travis and Liz McCarthy, Brittany McCarthy, Nicholas McCarthy, Megan Cole and Nick Foster-Mann, Zach and Dawn Cole, and Emma Cole; 47 great-grandchildren, and 6 great-great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister and brother-in-law; Pat and Pete Webster of Athens, PA, brother-in-law; Jack House of Newark Valley, NY, sisters-in-law; Gladys Kutcher of Horseheads, NY, and Betty Plestis of Endicott, NY, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Family and friends may call on Friday, March 30, 2018 from 10am-12pm at the Jay E. Lowery Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 225 South Main Street, Athens, PA. Funeral services will follow at the funeral home at 12pm with Chaplain Will Baez officiating.
Burial will be in Tioga Point Cemetery, Athens, PA.
Memorial donations may be made in Robert’s memory to: Guthrie Hospice, 421 Tomahawk Road, Towanda, PA 18848 or Animal Care Sanctuary, 353 Sanctuary Hill Ln, East Smithfield, PA 18817.
