Obituary of Brian Joseph McCarthy

Brian Joseph McCarthy, 67, passed away Friday evening June 19th in his home with his family by his side. Brian was born April 21, 1948 in St. Francis Hospital in the Bronx, NY to Joseph and Kathleen McCarthy. He graduated from Mercy High School of Riverhead NY in 1966 and joined the ranks of the United Stated Merchant Marines shortly thereafter. During his tenure with the merchant marines, he traveled the world several times over and continued his service to his country in the National Guard for six subsequent years. Following in his father-in-law's footsteps, he began his lifelong career as a New York City firefighter in 1974. On the job, Brian was known for his respect, bravery, and leadership. Retiring as a Battalion Chief, he looked back at a decorated career as Captain of Ladder 44, Lieutenant of 75 Engine, Firefighter in 26 Truck and a mentor to countless others. He was an instructor at the New York State Academy of Fire Science in Montour Falls, NY where he loved to share his knowledge and experience. In his local community, he was a member of the Pine Bush, NY Volunteer Fire Department and led the fire prevention program. Brian was a member of the Catholic Church and an active parishioner in every community he spent his life. He lived for his family, friends, and fly fishing and is survived by his wife Dorothy, two sons, Matthew and Peter, three sisters, Kathy, Maureen, and Barbara and many friends. He laid his father Joseph and mother Kathleen to rest in years prior. A Memorial Mass and reception will be held at St. Paul's R.C. Church, 2800 Route 17K, Bullville, NY at 10am on Thursday, June 25th. Flowers are respectfully declined in lieu of donations to Wayne Memorial Hospice, c/o Wayne Memorial Hospital, 601 Park St., Honesdale, PA 18431, the Pine Bush Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 1, Pine Bush, NY 12566, and the UFA Widow's and Children's Fund, c/o Uniformed Firefighters Association, 204 East 23rd Street, New York, NY 10010 or visit www.ufanyc.org/funds/widows_and_children.php.