ALFRED JOHN MCCARTHY
Beloved husband, father, grandfather, chemical engineer, military historian, Fox News fan, Silver Bullet, and master of the cut and thrust of snappy repartee, ALFRED JOHN MCCARTHY, passed away September 4, 2015. He was born September 3, 1935 in Springfield, Massachusetts, and was united in marriage with Jane Elizabeth Guertin on Aug. 31, 1957. He served in the US Army Chemical Corps at Fort McClellan, Alabama from 1958 to 1962, after which he began his lifelong career at M. W. Kellogg (now KBR) in New York City. Jane and Al moved to Houston with their three children in 1972 and later retired to League City in 1999. Al was predeceased by his wife Jane on May 22, 2010. He will be greatly missed by his son, Keith and his wife, Cathy McCarthy; daughter, Lynne McCarthy and her husband, Rob Alexander; daughter, Jill and her husband, Michael Warny; grandchildren, Danielle McCarthy, Lauren McCarthy and her husband Paul Begnaud, and Michael McCarthy; aunt, Alice Belleville and her children Sharon, Susan, Carol, and Thomas and families; and sister-in-law, Carolyn Ridolfi and her daughters, Pamela, Linda and Sally and families. He will also be missed by a great many friends and colleagues. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, September 8, 2015 from 7 to 9 PM at Crowder Funeral Home in Webster. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Paralyzed Veterans of America or a charity of your choice.
The Houston Sail and Power Squadron will miss Al. As a past education officer, fellow boater and good friend, he was the best of the best.
We offer our deepest condolences to the entire family.
Sincerely,
Claire
D/Lt/C Claire M.McDonald,SN
Houston Sail and Power Squadron
I was very saddened to hear of the passing of Al. I worked with him for many years at M W Kellogg/KBR. He was a gentleman and a scholar. I will miss him as I know so many others will.
I first met Al and Jane at a bowling alley in Houston 40 years ago. We all became such good friends. Al called when Jane died but had not said a word in our sporadic emails that he was ill. I’ve passed your message to my children, Pam and Don. My deepest sympathy, thought and prayers to all of you. With love, Auntie Karen
A friend who will be missed for so many reasons. My mentor in London, cigar smoking days, encouragement to come to Houston, a welcome into the family home, crazy bowling nights and lately my bridge partner. For almost 50 yrs now, Al was part of my life. I shall miss his laugh and kind words and a glass of wine with my friend.
Al,May the smile of God light you to glory.
Gene Donohue. MWK
Grandpa was one of a kind. To say he was an intelligent man would be an understatement. He loved a good glass a wine and a joke- his laughter was contagious. He taught me how to play pool, darts, and chess… And even let me win on occasion. I remember his bright green MW Kellogg jacket, big glasses… And darts instructor t-shirt growing up… A typical outfit that was “so Grandpa”. He selflessly took care of Grandma for 14 years when she was sick and was there for any of us in a time of need. He never complained of his illness even during his final hours. I miss him dearly… The world lost an amazing man that I’m proud to have known.
Al was a lovely neighbor who became a dear friend. We will miss his witty and interesting conversation and that warm smile.
Tonie and Gary Hanson
What can I say about my Dad? He made me what I am today – especially the nose (a family heirloom!) His interest in history led to my career as a history teacher. He was always ready to “curl up with a good war” – whether in print or on the screen; we spent uncounted hours watching war movies and discussing military history, history in general, philosophy, and you-name-it. As a family, we spent thousands of hours around the kitchen table playing Candy Land, Uncle Wiggly, Wild Life, Lair’s Dice, Lie Cheat and Steal, Bonanza Rummy, Trivial Pursuit, Taboo, Catch Phrase, and so many others. The best thing about game time and dinner time was the “cut and thrust of snappy repartee.” Everybody at the table got “got” by Dad sooner or later…! Dad helped out at FJH on Blue/Gray Day, and he came in as a guest speaker in some of my classes. He constantly collected stuff “for you to use in class – for your kids.” Dad was always there for all of us, and I am just so glad that we were all able to be there for him during his last days – as he sat there grinning, chuckling, hugging us, and hiding his pills…! Truly one of a kind… I cannot imagine a better Dad; I will miss him every day. \(*o*)/
Hello Lynne. I just came across this page and I’m so sorry to hear about your mom and dad.
In the short time that I knew them, they were always so very kind and supportive of me. I, too, remember many fun days and nights at the game/pool table and the dart board…and, to this day, I never end my sentences in a preposition! Some very fond memories.
Sending warm condolences to you, Jill and Keith.
Mr. McCarthy what a pleasure it was when we met at Lauren’s Wedding. I enjoyed our get together and only wish it could have happen again.. Condolences to you and all your Family and may you rest in peace.. Lauren’s PawPaw Voorhies Begnaud
Al McCarthy was indeed one of a kind. He was an exceptional chemical engineer, and plied his trade with integrity and thoroughness. He felt an obligation to teach young engineers during the many design reviews in which he participated. Note the term “teach” is used because Al taught me that you “teach” people and “train” monkeys. Sincere condolences to Al’s family, I am sure he leaves a large hole that will not easily be filled.
I am very saddened by the news of Al’s passing. It was my pleasure to know Al. He was a true gentleman and certainly one of a kind. I really enjoyed playing cribbage with Al. My condolences to the family.
“The Bank of Dad”
It’s one of my favorite phrases, referring to his occasional financial aid to us “kids”. But it’s an appropriate description in so many other ways. Strength. Stability. The calm in the storm. And like a banker of old, a George Bailey if you will, he was about the investment…the investment in people. He invested “millions”, his whole life, and never thought to do it any other way. I’ve had the chance to think about him a lot over that past month, and I was surprised (I shouldn’t be) at how I could see in retrospect that he’s been there for me, teaching me (often by example), for 53 years, at every single step of my life. He was always, always there.
Thank you, Dad. For everything, including the many things I’m sure I don’t even know about, and may never. I’ll do my best to make you proud.
Al was a smart guy and a great source of technical advice. Also, he was just a lot of fun to hang out with on business trips. I have nothing but the most positive memories of Al.
Al was a mentor at MWK before the position existed. Not only did he freely share his knowledge but over the years was an inspiration to scores of us that were just starting our careers.
I’m sorry to just learn of Al’s passing and offer my sincere condolences to his family.
Al was my first boss at the M.W. Kellogg Co. and taught me the basics of Process Design for petrochemical plants, like ethylene plants. He was a great guy, excellent engineer, and a patient and wise mentor. Al set the standard and I’ve always tried to follow his example when supervising young chemical engineers.
Frederick Bondy