Eugene John McCarthy

Loving Husband, Father, Grandfather, Brother and Friend

Eugene “Gene” McCarthy, 83, of Prospect passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of his family on Friday April 16, 2021 at Smilow Cancer Center.  Gene was the loving husband of Diana (Brewster) McCarthy for over 62 years.  They were together since high school.

Gene was born November 16, 1937 in Waterbury, a son of the late Martin A. McCarthy and Margaret (Mullen) McCarthy. He proudly served his country in the US Air Force. Gene was the very devoted Director of Public Works for the town of Prospect for almost 50 years before retiring and continuing to work as Assistant Director into his 80’s.  Because of his long-term hard work, knowledge and dedication to the people of Prospect, Gene was nicknamed the “Second Mayor”.

Gene coached the Long River Middle School Girls Basketball team to their first ever Naugatuck Valley Championship, Prospect Little League,  Pop Warner Football and Prospect Youth Recreational Basketball.  He was an avid golfer, a lifetime member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, a member of the Washington Hill Club and a huge supporter of The 1900 Club.  Gene was a hardworking, devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend.  The happiest moments of Gene’s life were with family; traveling to Cape Cod, Ireland, and family reunions at Quonnie. He also enjoyed many golf events with his friends.  Every single holiday was spent together as a family. If you knew Gene, you loved him.  He will be so sadly missed.

Gene leaves to cherish his love and memory; his wife Diana, sons Michael (Laurie) McCarthy of Southbury, Mark (Sherry) McCarthy of Virginia, daughters Kathleen ( Al Bracone) of Prospect and Colleen (Joseph) Capossela of South Windsor, his adored grandchildren Amanda, Christopher, Joseph, Robert, Andrew and Skylar, and his brother William(Eileen) McCarthy of Wolcott.  He also leaves his nieces and nephews Monica, Kevin, Melissa and Brendan as well as several great nieces and nephews and many friends who were like family.

Gene is predeceased by his sons Martin W. McCarthy and Matthew M. McCarthy, his infant brother Robert McCarthy and his niece Michele McCarthy.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held for Gene on Saturday, April 24, 2021 at 11:30 am at St. Anthony’s Church, 4 Union City Rd., Prospect. Procession from Prospect Memorial Funeral Home to St. Anthony’s Church will leave promptly at 10:30 am. Burial with Military Honors will immediately follow in Calvary Cemetery.  Walk through calling hours to be held on Friday April 23, 2021 from 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm at Prospect Memorial/ Palmerie Family Funeral Home, 72 Waterbury Rd. Prospect.  All those planning to attend, in compliance of CT DPH Covid precautions, are asked to wear their mask or facial covering at all times and to maintain 6-foot distancing protocols. 

Gene’s family would like to thank Dr. Victor Chang, the Gaylord Hospital Staff and the compassionate care given to Gene and his family at Smilow Cancer Center.  Memorial donations in Gene’s name can be made to The 1900 Club,1900 East Main St, Waterbury, CT 06705.

Prospect Memorial Funeral Home is honored to be assisting Gene’s family during this difficult time.  For directions, to share a memory or to place a condolence to the McCarthy family please visit www.prospectmemorial.com

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