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 (Gil Velazquez); his former wife and loving friend, Barb McCarthy; his sisters, Mary Lapinski (Shawn) and Patricia Reppy (Jerry); sister-in-law, Josephine Fung; 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.
Celebration of Life
Date: Sunday, June 14, 2026
Time: 12PM – 6 PM
Location: Webster Park Community Building located at 2201 S River Rd, St. Charles, MO 63303. Light meal and refreshments provided, Ray style.
Memorial Contributions
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made in Ray’s honor to:
Im really gonna miss Ray. Ray was as solid as they come. There is nothing that he couldn’t do…. RIP Ray.
I will always miss Ray even though we were divorced we still loved each other and told each other every time we left each h other.
Ray was in my life in one way or another my whole life we grew up in rhe same neighborhood he hung around my brother since I was like 7, then we dated later married and after the divorce we still saw each other all the time, it wasn’t a lack of love that led to the divorce that’s for sure.
We raised two great children who along with me will miss him always. He was a one of a kind dude who could do anything, there was nothing he couldn’t figure out and do!
I love you Ray
I was deeply saddened to hear of Ray’s passing. He was not only my brother-in-law but also a great friend whose courage, strength, and sense of humor touched the lives of everyone who knew him. I will always remember the way he made people feel welcome. He faced life’s challenges with courage and grace, and his love for family was evident. He will be greatly missed, but his memory will remain in our hearts forever.
Rachael, you wrote Ray’s eulogy so eloquently, meaningful and thoroughly that I dont think I could add anything more.
Except Ray was the most fortunate man that I know because he had the opportunity to spend the last days of his life with his children and family.. thats something so few of us ever get to experience and spend the rest of our lives wishing we’d been blessed to say good bye