William J. McCarthy.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday July 6, 2015 at 9 a.m. in the Church of Saint Patrick, Watertown for William J. McCarthy.
Mr. McCarthy, a son of the late William J. and Margaret (Kocher) McCarthy. A resident of South Boston prior to moving to Watertown and Newton 54 years ago. A retired Master Chief Petty Officer, USN and a supervisor with the Bureau of Special Investigations, Commonwealth of Massachusetts. William passed away in the Evans Park at Newton Corner on Tuesday June 30, 2015 after a brief illness. He was 83.
Born in Boston, he was a 1949 graduate of South Boston high School. He also attended Bentley University and Middlesex Community College. Residing in South Boston prior to moving to Watertown and Newton 54 years ago.
Mr. McCarthy, a 20 year Navel Veteran, with numerous decorations and commendations served aboard the USS Waller DD466 during the Korean Conflict. Stationed at Naval Communication Station, Cam Rahn Bay, Vietnam and aboard the USS Boston CA 69 during the Vietnam Era. He was also the senior enlisted man aboard the USS Boston upon her decommissioning.
He was a charter member of the first commercial aircraft to fly into Antarctica. Serving a 15 month tour of duty as a radio supervisor at Little America 5 located on the Ross Ice Shelf, Antarctica in support of the International Geophysical Year 1957-1958. Little America 5 broke off the Ross Ice Shelf and went into the sea in the early 1960’s. He flew the flag of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts at Little America 5 and tractor trains involving the resupply of Byrd Station Antarctica and various scientific exploration treks during that period.
Upon retiring from the Navy, he was employed as a supervisor with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Bureau of special Investigations where he was involved in numerous high profile investigations with many commendations during this 24 year period.
A past cub-master of pack 202 Phillips School. Watertown. He was a 10 year committee member BSA Troop 203 Watertown and recipient of the Boy Scout District Award for Merit.
Past Exalted Ruler of Watertown Lodge of Elks #1513, he was twice selected as Elk of the year. His tenure as Exalter Ruler encompassed the bicentennial year 1975-1976.
He held memberships in the American Legion Post 440, Newton, VFW Post 9013 in Westborough, life member of VAV Post 45, Waltham, Ancient Order of Hibernians, life member of Watertown Lodge of Elks # 1513. Fleet Reserve Assoc., USS Boston Shipmates, Tin Can Sailors, US Naval Memorial and Retired State Employees Assoc.
He was the beloved husband of the late Roberta M. (Costello). Devoted father of Paul M. and his wife Elizabeth of Warrington, PA & the late William J, Jr. Loving grandfather of Sean & Colin McCarthy both of Pennsylvania. Brother of the late Mary T., Robert T. and Bernadette McCarthy.
Funeral from the MacDonald, Rockwell & MacDonald Funeral Home at 270 Main St. Watertown on Monday July 6, 2015 at 8 a.m. followed by Funeral Mass in the Church of St. Patrick, 212 Main St., Watertown at 9 a.m. Relatives and friends kindly invited.
Interment Ridgelawn Cemetery. Visiting hours Sunday 4-7 p.m.