Michael J. McCarthy

Michael J. McCarthy, 74, of Mechanicsburg formerly of Mount Carmel, passed away on Monday morning, October 28, 2024 in his home surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband of Colleen M.(Farrell) McCarthy to whom he was married for 44 years.

Mike was born on September 13, 1950 in Danville, PA, and was the son of the late Francis P. McCarthy and the late Gertrude L. (O’Connor) McCarthy.

Mike graduated from Mount Carmel High School in 1968 and proudly served on the Philadelphia Police Department for 10 years. He was a highly decorated member of two tactical units and a skilled marksman. Upon his retirement he worked as a Detective for the Defense Logistics Agency, and then as a Project Officer serving for 28 years on the staff of Commanding Generals at the Defense Distribution Center Headquarters in New Cumberland, PA.

He was a life-long learner and graduate of the University of the State of New York with a degree in criminal justice; the Federal White Collar Crime School, the National Crime Prevention Institute at the University of Louisville, KY, and he earned a Master’s Certification in Government Contracting at the George Washington University School of Business and Public Policy, and graduated from numerous military logistics schools. He traveled extensively to many DoD military installations across the country in a high-viz capacity as the team lead for conducting end-to-end management studies that competed entire civilian workforces against commercial competition.

Mike and Colleen were blessed with a wonderful marriage and did extensive traveling together. They enjoyed going anywhere and went on 19 cruises throughout North America, Central America, Alaska, Hawaii, the Caribbean, and the Pacific. Mike enjoyed studying American history, doing technical research and writing, and was an avid coin collector. But more than anything he was a loving father and husband, a mentor, and always put his family first.

In addition to his wife, Mike is survived by two daughters, Cailin M. McCarthy of Mechanicsburg, PA and Bridget A. McCarthy of New Cumberland, PA; two grandchildren, twins Conor and Madison Wade; two sisters, Eleanor and husband Richard J Gillin of Doylestown, PA and Ursula and husband Robert W. Ross of Arvado, CO, and nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Francis J. (Joe) McCarthy and two sisters, Margaret (Nana) and Mary Virginia (Gina).

Funeral services and interment will be private at the convenience of the family. Joseph J. Stutz, Inc. Funeral Home, 40 South Market Street, Mount Carmel, Joseph J. Stutz III, Supervisor is in care of the arrangements. To offer condolences to Mike’s family, please sign the guestbook below.