Raymond McCarthy

Raymond R. McCarthy Jr. lived life on his own terms — fully, passionately, and without hesitation. Raised surrounded by the love of his family and an incredibly close group of lifelong friends, Ray was shaped by a mother who allowed him the freedom to become his own person and grandparents who instilled in him the value of hard work, resilience, and determination.

Ray approached life fearlessly. He protected the people he loved with unwavering loyalty and stood firmly for what he believed was right. Whatever he did, he did completely — with intensity, humor, grit, and heart. A true jack-of-all-trades and master mechanic, there was seemingly nothing Ray couldn’t fix, rebuild, or figure out. Whether working with his hands, solving problems, or helping others, his knowledge and talent were unmatched.

More importantly, Ray passed those same values on to his children. He taught honesty, independence, and strength through example, allowing each of his children to learn their own lessons, become their own people, and live authentically — just as he always had. His love was unconditional, steady, and fiercely protective.

In his later years, as his physical body slowed him down, Ray found comfort in simpler moments: spending time with his children, watching shows on MeTV, reading and watching videos about fixing things, and reminiscing about the good old days with family and lifelong friends — many of whom he believed were waiting for him on the other side.

In his final wishes, Ray made it clear he was ready “to go home,” to rest, and “to get on down the road.” Above all else, he wanted those he loved to continue loving one another unconditionally and to celebrate life fully.

And as Ray would always say — “Be good, and if ya can’t be good, don’t get caught; have a super day.”

Family

Ray was preceded in death by his mother, Peggy Nadene McCarthy; his father, Raymond Robert McCarthy Sr.; his grandparents, Thomas and Juanita Caito; his brother, Michael Patrick McCarthy; and many close friends.

He is survived by his loving son, Joseph McCarthy; his loving daughter, Rachael McCarthy; his former wife and loving friend, Barb McCarthy; his sisters, Mary Lapinski (Shawn) and Patricia Reppy (Jerry); and many beloved nieces, nephews, and friends—most notably his nephew, Timothy McCarthy, who spent a great deal of caring time with him in his final years.