December 30, 2017
Frederick McCARTHY(1923 - 2017)
McCARTHY, Frederick Joseph Life's journey for Frederick Joseph McCarthy of Austin was completed December 30, 2017, at age 94. Fred, an Austin resident since 1992, is survived by his wife, Leora Callahan Wilson McCarthy of Austin; daughter and son-in-law, Tara Jeanine Munoz and Stacy Munoz of Forsan, Texas; stepson, Michael Alan McCarthy of Duluth, Minn.; sister, Rosemary Irwin of Austin; grandchildren, Alisa Munoz, Tonie Munoz, Travis McCarthy, and Casey McCarthy; and numerous nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dennis and Rose McCarthy; brother, Dennis McCarthy; sister, Nancy McCarthy; first wife, Karen Adams McCarthy; and second wife, Joan James McCarthy.
Few can say they enjoyed the life of a scholar, pilot, priest, attorney, educator, and husband but they weren't Fred McCarthy. Born April 15, 1923, in Chicago, Ill., Fred grew up steeped in Midwest values in Springfield, Ill. After graduating from Springfield's Cathedral High School, he attended Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. Fred served in the U.S. Army Air Corps from 1942 to 1945 as a B-24 co-pilot for the 8th Air Force, which included 35 bombing missions from England. Upon conclusion of World War II, he returned to school and earned a degree from Georgetown University Law School in Washington, D.C. He passed the Illinois Bar in 1948, but put his law career on hold. Alternatively, Fred leaned into his Roman Catholic upbringing, education and thirst for social justice, choosing to study ministry in Baltimore, Md. That decision resulted in Fred being ordained as a priest in the Catholic Church-Roman Rite, serving from 1953 to 1968. He ministered to numerous faithful in Illinois for a dozen years, followed by a three-year mission in Peru. Upon leaving the priesthood in 1968, he turned to his training as an attorney for the next phase of his life. He moved to the Four Corners region of New Mexico and Arizona, working as an attorney in a variety of public and private capacities until retiring in 1991. In 1992, Fred arrived in Austin to be closer to family members. He met Leora while teaching an adult Bible study class at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church. On Feb. 14, 1998, he and Leora were married, launching a 19-year loving companionship that ended with his passing. An Irish descendent to the fullest, Fred's unique combination of humor, wit, charm and charisma will be missed by all who knew him. He thoroughly enjoyed his associations with Corpus (an association of married priests), American Legion members, family and friends alike. A memorial Mass celebrating his life will be held at 1 p.m., Friday, January 5, at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in Austin. A private burial service will be held at a later date at Assumption Cemetery in Austin. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Benedictine College (attn: James Kew, Office of Advancement, 1020 North Second Street, Atchison, KS 66002-1499). Sincere appreciation goes to the assisted living staff at Village on the Park at Onion Creek, his physical therapist Jessica from TheraCare, and all who assisted with helping Fred enjoy life's journey to the very end. For those desiring, you may also access the online guest registry and obituary at www.wcfish.com.
Fred was a long time member of CORPUS and he attended many CORPUS meetings when possible.
Condolences:
Leora McCarthy
11125 #D Pinehurst Dr.
Austin TX 78747-1415