Fitchburg - Harold (Harry) E. McCarthy passed away on Saturday, October 9, 2021, at St. Mary’s Hospital. Harry endured many medical challenges since his first heart attack in 1996 but he always seemed to have the strength to go on until this year when he was diagnosed with an incurable cancer which ultimately took his life. He was born on February 19, 1936, in Richland Center, WI to Daniel Everette and Anita Mary McCarthy and was the middle child of 7 children.

Harry graduated from Richland Center High School in 1954. He started college at Platteville State College and then went into military service and served in the US Army for 2 years. After which, he attended school at the UW of Wisconsin-Madison. He worked as a tax compliance supervisor with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue for over 35 years at which time his health forced him to retire in 1997.

Harry had two children, Sean and Megan during his first marriage, and he loved being their dad. When they were in college, he started dating Pat Mackler who he married 8 years later in 1994. Harry and Pat enjoyed over 27 years of marriage together. They were nearly inseparable, loving and supporting each other. They enjoyed life together and traveled as much as they could. He loved history so there was always a museum to be seen. Besides their travel in the states, they went to Ireland 4 times and to Switzerland one time while Pat’s father was able to make the trip with them back to his homeland.

Harry and Pat were blessed with 4 grandchildren, Will and Maddy Hinze and Jack and Kennedy McCarthy. They loved being grandparents and enjoyed spending time with them.

Harry was active in bowling and golf for many years. In his senior years, he was a member of the MARGA and MARBA, (Madison Area Retired Golf/Bowling Associations). He served on the MARGA board for several years as scheduler at Glenway where he had his Hole in One on #6.

Harry loved his Irish heritage and was a member of The Dane County Shamrock Club for 20 plus years and served on the Board for most of those years, starting with Sergeant-at-Arms, President and Co-Editor with Pat on the Club’s newsletter for 20 years. He served on the Madison St Patrick’s Day Committee for 10 years and he and Pat served on the Board of the State Shamrock Club for many years. Harry and Pat were honored as Irish Couple of the Year by the Shamrock Club and the McCarthy’s were honored as the Irish Family of the Year by the Saint Patrick’s Day Parade Committee.

Harry volunteered with the Madison School System to help children read and with St Mary’s Hospital Auxiliary/Volunteers.

He is survived by his wife Pat, his children Sean (Sandy) McCarthy and Megan McCarthy. His grandchildren, Will Hinze, Maddy Hinze, Jack McCarthy and Kennedy McCarthy. His siblings: Bill (Sue) McCarthy, Tom (Mary) McCarthy, Kathleen (Ray) Alexander and Don (Donna Olson) McCarthy. His brother-in-law, Mike (Pam) Mackler and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Bob and Jerry, and in-laws, Frank and Weltha Mackler.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, October 15, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. with visitation beginning at 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at St Maria Goretti Catholic Church, 5405 Flad Ave, Madison. Burial will follow at the Verona Cemetery at 565 N Main St., Verona with a lunch following at the Pizza Ranch, 100 Keenan Ct., Verona. If you are able to attend the services, we invite you to honor Harry by wearing green or something Irish.

Memorial donations according to Harry’s wishes can be made to St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church, St Mary’s Auxiliary /Volunteers or American Legion Post 151.

The family would like to thank Dr. Orest Kostelyna for his continued care of Harry throughout the many years and to the doctors and staff at St. Mary’s Hospital who cared for him many times during his visits.

Harry lived a full life but it’s just never long enough. He was a Christian and a Catholic and loved his family and friends. He was an honest, kind and loyal man with a quick wit and an Irish twinkle in his eyes. He loved God and received God’s greatest gift, to love and to be loved. He was blessed and will surely be missed by many! May God continue to bless you my dear husband! The pains of missing you are real. I’ve been honored to call you “my husband” and forever will.

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services

Verona Chapel

220 Enterprise Drive

608-845-6625

Harold McCarthy

February 19, 1936 - October 09, 2021

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