Thomas L McCarthy 86, of McGraw passed away on August 17, 2023, at the Crown Park Rehabilitation and Nursing Center. He was born on March 16, 1937, in Acton, Massachusetts.
Tom made his home on South Hill Road in McGraw where he and his wife Lorraine (deceased) raised six boys and cared for a myriad of animals throughout those years on his “Gentleman’s Farm”. He graduated from Bridgeport University (BA), where he stayed on as a teacher/coach before beginning his professional career. Harcourt Brace Jovanovich brought him to the area in 1966 to sell textbooks to High Schools throughout Upstate NY, a job he loved for over 45 years and excelled at due to his social personality and his ability to interact with people made him successful in his career and life. Tom served on the McGraw School Board for many years rising to President and was also on the initial Board of Directors (President) that successfully brought ice hockey (CCYHA) to the area. An avid golfer, skier, and a man who loved to dance. He enjoyed being with his family at events and gatherings throughout his life. Tom was proud to have grown up on a farm and thankful to spend his later years on a farm working the fields
Tom is survived by his six sons: Thomas Jr (Lisa) of Newtown Square, PA; Shane (Susan) of Portsmouth, RI; Sean (Lindsay) of Alexandria, VA; Brendan (MJ) of Melrose, MA; Denis of McGraw, NY; and Padraic (Gretchen) of New Milford, CT. He is also survived by twelve grandchildren: Meghan, Katelyn, Shane, Shannon, Kaelyn, Quinn, Lane, Maeve, Cara, Keegan, Hank and Doug. A celebration of life is planned for August 31* with calling hours at The Riccardi Funeral Home in Cortland beginning at 10:30 am followed by a service at 12:00 pm in the Chapel. Burial Ceremony with be private at the family’s request.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked to consider making a contribution to the The Lorraine McCarthy Teenage Volunteer Scholarship Fund through the Cortland Memorial Foundation at Guthrie Cortland Medical Center, 134 Homer Avenue, Cortland, NY 13045.
