Obituary: Gerard John McCarthy

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Gerard John McCarthy
Gerard John McCarthy

PROSPECT — Gerard John McCarthy, 80, of Prospect, passed away after an extended illness on Friday, July 1 at Saint Mary’s Hospital in Waterbury. Surrounded by his wife, children, in-laws and grandchildren, he gently slipped away as his family shared stories and memories of this extraordinary man.

Gerry is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 59 years Kathleen (Sutton) McCarthy; his five children, Jerry McCarthy, Maureen Berube, Mary McCarthy, Kevin McCarthy and Monica McCarthy; his nine grandchildren, Michael and Devon Rudaitis, Collin and Rory McCarthy, Sofia, Nico and Isabella Holpin, Arielle and Brianna McCarthy; his brothers, Mickey and Bob; and his son- and daughters-in-law John Berube, Wanda Vintinner-McCarthy and Barbara Hubbard. Each one will remember his personal vitality, absolute integrity, outspoken character, passionate work ethic and unwavering commitment to family that were the hallmarks of his life.

Born in 1935 to Joseph and Agnes (Caton) McCarthy, Gerry’s life began in Laurelton, N.Y., as the youngest of three car-crazed boys. After graduation from Brooklyn Technical High School, Gerry began a long automotive career by being among the first mechanics to be trained by Porsche when they entered the U.S. in 1954. After marriage and a job offer that brought the young couple to Connecticut in 1956, he owned and co-owned local businesses, including KAM Motorsports in Waterbury; he led private race teams as they competed up and down the east coast at all major events, including the 24 hours of Daytona and Sebring; and he worked at dealerships throughout the state. During these years, Gerry built a local, national and international reputation as an authority on early Porsche and in particular the 4-CAM racing engine. He built a vast network of friends and associates who knew him as generous, honest, knowledgeable and loyal — a man of unquestioned integrity. In his local community, Gerry was a longtime member of the Board of Education, he volunteered for Prospect Drum Corp and was involved in the Republican Town Committee.

Of his varied interests — all things automotive and mechanical, politics, classical music and antiques — it was his family and longtime friends that meant the most to him. While he was unsparing in his opinions, he was also generous with his advice and knowledge. He had an open heart and loved the telling of family stories; he didn’t stand on the sidelines when friends or family needed help; he engaged with those around him and had a tremendous interest in learning. He changed the lives of many who knew him and will never be forgotten by those who spent their lives loving him.

The family would like to thank Dr. Silverman and the staff of Saint Mary’s Hospital Critical Care Unit for their compassion and dedication.

Arrangements are thru the Prospect Memorial Funeral Home at 72 Waterbury Road in Prospect. Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, July 5 from 3 to 6 p.m., followed immediately by a memorial service from 6 to 7 p.m. The family encourages people to celebrate Gerry’s life by sharing stories and memories.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to St. Mary’s Hospital Critical Care Unit in his memory.

For more information and online condolences, visit www.prospectmemorial.com.