Published May 10, 2019
MELROSE — Gerald H. “Jerry” McCarthy, 88, of Melrose, passed away at home surrounded by his family on April 30, 2019.
Jerry was born and raised in Melrose and attended Melrose High School. He was a lifelong Melrose resident and member of the Most Blessed Sacrament Church in Wakefield for many years. Jerry started with the Boston & Maine Railroad as an apprentice in the 1940’s and worked for over 40 years as a Union Machinist, Locomotive Engineer and Inspector before his retirement at the age of 61. He was a gifted and talented machinist and could fix and build anything.
Jerry was a hard worker, never complained, had a great sense of humor and loved a good joke. He was a quiet, supportive family man and always enjoyed taking his children to all their youth sporting events. Jerry loved to travel to Hawaii, Bermuda, Montreal and Niagara Falls. He enjoyed Nahant Beach, dancing at the Oceanview Ballroom and his family was the most important part of his life.
Jerry was the beloved husband of Jeanette M. (Ciulla) McCarthy for 68 years. Devoted son of the late Bertha (Webb) McCarthy. Loving father of Joseph McCarthy and his wife Holly of Fla., George McCarthy and his wife Janet of Melrose, James McCarthy of Billerica, Jeanette Johnson and her husband Richard of Wilmington, Irene Murphy and her husband Tom of Shrewsbury and Geraldine Dale and her husband Jim of North Reading. Cherished grandfather of 18 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. Also survived by nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Visiting hours were held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St., Melrose on Thursday, May 2. A funeral service was held at the Gately Funeral Home on Friday, May 3. Relatives and friends were respectfully invited to attend. Burial was in Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the charity of your choice. To leave an online message of condolence please visit gatelyfh.com.
