John "Jay" Patrick McCarthy

John P. “Jay” McCarthy a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, dear friend and colleague to many, passed away in the loving arms of his wife, Nancy (Montecalvo) McCarthy and holding the hands of his devoted children, Tracy (McCarthy) Green of Lowell MA, and Todd McCarthy of Brookline, NH on Saturday, January 18 in the Critical Care Unit of Lahey Clinic Burlington, 10 days following a brain hemorrhage .

John “Jay” McCarthy was born in November 1946 in Lowell as the first child of his predeceased parents Rebecca Regina (Pollard) McCarthy and John Francis McCarthy of Lowell, MA He loved growing up in Lowell.  Someone once lovingly said “You can take the boy out of Lowell, but you can’t take Lowell out of the boy”. A reference to his genuine  authenticity.

After graduating from Lowell High School in 1964, He enlisted in the US Air Force where he was a Sgt. in the Jet 306th Tactical Fighter Squad.  He served as a Crew Chief on the Jet line in Tuoy Wah air base in Vietnam in 1968 to 1969.  Jay was proud to have served his country,  and credits the military for many lifelong commitments to do the right thing.  He has been a regular participant marching in Memorial Day and Veterans Day parades each year in Newburyport.  His favorite part was to present a young child along the sidelines with a small American flag.

Upon release of his Air Force service, Jay enrolled and graduated from the University of Lowell.

Most of his work was in the technology field including employments at various corporations, including Wang Corp, Lowell, Compaq NYC,  Bit Stream Cambridge, and E Coast, Rochester, NH.

But his most favorite job came in his retirement as a Senior Associate at the Newburyport Art Association, where he was originally NAA Board President, where he loved working with the staff and artists. Jay also enjoyed working with the staff and members of the Newburyport Senior Center where he volunteered each Tuesday.

One of Jay’s greatest passions was his photography.  His art work rendered many awards, and he felt  honored that so many local and international friends purchased, and hung many of his works in their homes. Everyone agreed that Jay just had an “eye” for intriguing photographs.  Many photos reflected his incredible quick wit and sense of humor as well as his love of nature, and his family.  His website Nature’s Light Photography, inspired many brides and grooms-to-be,  to hire him as their wedding photographer.

Up until just recently, Jay was an avid runner, and served as Vice President of the Greater Lowell Road Runners.  He is a GLRR Hall of Famer. He was race director for popular Lowell area races, as well as coordinator for the famous 2 Mile Series. As a volunteer for Special Olympics, Jay was "Coach Jay" to his very special athletes.

Jay was an active member at his beloved church The First Religious society Unitarian Universalist on Pleasant Street in Newburyport and served as Board President several years back.

In addition to his wife Nancy and children Tracy and Todd, Jay is being mourned by his step children Christy (Chapman) Manclark and husband Jim of Amesbury, Sara Chapman and partner Dave Watts of Salisbury,  Grandchildren Grace McCarthy, Hayden McCarthy, Jack McCarthy, Erin Green, and Leah Green and step grandchildren Hannah Manclark and Ethan Manclark. Also his special daughter in law Amy (Durand) McCarthy, his sister MaryPat (McCarthy) Maclean and her husband Dave, of Lowell, brother Francis McCarthy and his wife Gail of Winston Salem, NC, Grandson-in-law Andrew McCarthy, and former son in law Drew Green.  Jay was pre-deceased by his first wife and mother of his children, Sheila (Tracy) McCarthy, as well as former wife Gail McCarthy, several nieces and nephews and a plethora of loving friends.

Arrangements are under the direction of Twomey, LeBlanc and Conte Funeral Home.  Burial and a Memorial Service will be held at the FRS UU church in early spring.

In lieu of flowers, donations if desired to do, can be made to the FRSU, Pleasant Street, Newburyport, MA.

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