Charles Edward McCarthy

Charles Edward McCarthy, age 82, of Beacon, NY died peacefully on Tuesday, March 29th, 2022 at home surrounded by his family and loving wife of 61 years, Catherine (Allen) McCarthy. He was born in Manhattan, NY to Edward and Julia (Ryan) McCarthy on December 8th, 1939 and was the oldest of their two children. Charley, known as “Mack” by his friends and co-workers, grew up in the Parkchester area of the Bronx, graduating from Manhattan College in 1960.  He then began his life of service to others as he joined the teaching staff at the Riverdale Country School. At Riverdale he was a Physical Education teacher and successful coach of several sports including track, football, baseball, and soccer where he influenced hundreds of students and athletes with his knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and patient approach to teaching and coaching. He passionately believed that everyone, regardless of ability, should be encouraged to participate in sports and he managed to find a place for all his students on the field. While at Riverdale he was fortunate to coach several elite athletes in their formative years, among them NFL running back great Calvin Hill. “Coach Mack” transitioned from teaching to serving as a Recreational Therapist for the State of New York, first for those overcoming drug addiction and later when he was called to serve those with special needs. It was in this role, over nearly three decades, that Coach Mack successfully introduced, coached, and qualified many athletes in multiple sports to both State and National Special Olympics teams where they won countless medals.  After retirement, Charley spent much of his time fishing, watching his beloved NY Yankees and the Hudson Valley Renegades, and most importantly attending the myriad of sporting and school activities of his grandkids who could always count on “Papa” as their loudest and most enthusiastic fan in the crowd.

Charley is survived by his beloved wife Catherine, his brother Gerard McCarthy of Las Vegas NV, his six children, sons Ed (Karen) McCarthy of North Myrtle Beach SC, John (Patricia) McCarthy of Hopewell Junction NY, Kevin (Wanda) McCarthy of New Hamburg, NY, Dan (Patty) McCarthy of Cornwall, NY, and daughters Mary (James) Huber of East Chatham, NY and Catherine Schetter of Marlboro, NY. Charley was also blessed with 22 Grandchildren and 14 Great Grandchildren, many of whom have followed in his footsteps into teaching, coaching and/or serving their community and country. He was predeceased by his parents and his grandson Brannon McCarthy.

Charley’s Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Mary Mother of the Church, 106 Jackson Street, Fishkill, New York at 10 am on Saturday, April 9th, 2022, followed by interment at Saint Joachim’s Cemetery, 325 Washington Avenue, Beacon, New York.  In lieu of flowers, his family asks that donations be made in his memory to Hudson Valley Hospice, 374 Violet Avenue, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601. Arrangements were entrusted to the care of the LIBBY FUNERAL HOME, 55 Teller Avenue, Beacon, New York. To offer a message of condolence or share a fond memory, please visit: www.LibbyFuneralHome.com