Edward J. Mccarthy

The Life and Times of Edward Joseph McCarthy On Sunday, October 26, 2015 Edward Joseph McCarthy entered into heaven surrounded by his loving family. Ed was a gentle, kind man with an infectious smile who always stretched out his hand to greet you or reached to give you a huge hug. Ed loved his family and his country. He lived an amazing life that was filled with fun, family, friends, laughter and Notre Dame Football. Every aspect of his day involved conversations with others and being productive. He loved his daily routine that began with coffee with the guys, running errands around town, puttering in his yard, enjoying a cold beer at "The Club" and watching sports or politics in the "outdoor living room" in the garage. Ed was proud of his Irish dual citizenship and traveled to the Old Country five times. He also traveled to France, England, Italy, Japan, and numerous cities across the United States, but was most proud to have lived in Anaconda his entire life. Ed was born in Anaconda, Montana on January 2, 1929 to Edward and Margaret McCarthy. Ed began his career with the US Postal Service on September 6, 1944. He loved being a letter carrier and stayed on the job for 41 years with one exception, when he was drafted during the Korean War. Ed was stationed at the Panama Canal and made lifelong friends during his service to his country. Ed was awarded a "Special Achievement Award" by the U.S. Postal Service on April 2, 1985 in recognition of notable performance. Ed also worked with Tiny Longfellow at Longfellow-Finnegan Funeral home off and on for 35 years. Ed married Beatrice Cecelia McKenna on June 27, 1959 at St. Paul's Church in Anaconda. Ed and Bea built their home on Ogden Avenue with the help of many fine friends. Here they raised five children and entertained many friends, family and politicians over the years. Their home became known as Leprechaun Village. For 40 years they opened their home the Sunday before St. Patrick's Day for an annual Leprechaun Village celebration. He was interviewed by the Leader, Montana Standard and USA Today about his pre St. Patrick's Day celebrations. He was also interviewed by the Missoulian and Montana Magazine about Anaconda History. A picture of Ed showed up in the Irish Independence Newspaper when he greeted Irish President Mary McAleese during a visit to Butte in 2006. Two Governors declared "Eddie McCarthy Day" in Montana the Sunday before St. Patrick's Day and entered into the Congressional Record by Senator Max Baucus in 1983 and 1985. Ed met many famous people over the years but took great pleasure in having friends and family stop by Leprechaun Village. Ed was a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) for 75 years presiding as grand marshal of the AOH parade in 1983 and again at the celebration of the 125 years in 2013. He was also a member of the American Legion for 64 years, the Knights of Columbus, Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Elks. Ed and his wife Bea supported and volunteered for many events throughout the Anaconda Community during their 56 years together. Ed was preceded in death by his parents, Ed and Margaret, his younger brother Joseph, his sisters, the "Golden Girls" Theresa Beasoleil, Lucille Mahle, and Helen Varelia and his son John Robert McCarthy. Ed is survived by his wife Bea, daughters Colleen (Larry) and Mary (Mike Lacroix), sons Ed (Donna) and Pat (Michele). Ed is survived by his grandchildren Katy Riley, Britni Riley, Triston Spehar, Kasey McCarthy, Connor McCarthy, Kodie Gadley, Amy (Doug) Lowery, Brad (Jasmine) Woodward, Eric Woodward and great-grandchildren Kylee, Nyah, Peyton Woodward and Bryna Lowery. Ed is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and cousins throughout Montana, California, Boston, Ireland and England. Ed was a good husband, father, "papa" and friend who lived life to the fullest. He will be remembered for his kindness to others, his strong work ethic and positive attitude as well as some of his favorite sayings: "Every day is a good day." "Top of the Morning and rest of the day to yourself!" "Céad Míle Fáilte" "Go Irish!" "As you slide down the bannister of life, may the splinters never point in the wrong direction." "Sláinte" "Lakunoc" "May the road rise to meet you. May the wind be ever at your back. Until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand." The Celebration of Life for Ed will take place at Holy Family Catholic Church on Monday, November 2, 2015 beginning at 10:00 am with the AOH Ritual, Mass at 10:30 am followed by full military honors. The McCarthy family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the Anaconda AOH Pipes and Drum Corp PO Box 1224 Anaconda, Montana 59711.

A.O.H. Service

NOV 2. 10:00 AM (MST)

Holy Family Catholic Church 217 W. Pennsylvania Ave. Anacoonda, MT 59711

Mass of Christian Burial

NOV 2. 10:30 AM (MST)

Holy Family Catholic Church 217 W. Pennsylvania Ave. Anacoonda, MT 59711

Military Honors

NOV 2. 11:45 AM (MST)

Holy Family Catholic Church 217 W. Pennsylvania Ave. Anacoonda, MT 59711