Joseph McCarthy

Joseph J. McCarthy, 91, of Providence, died at home Saturday, Jan. 30, surrounded by his family. A lifelong resident of Providence, he was the husband of Theresa (Ferrante) McCarthy and a son of the late Justin and Agnes (Smith) McCarthy.
He is survived by two daughters, Kathleen McCarthy of Providence and Carol McCarthy of Pawcatuck, CT, and a granddaughter, Kara McCarthy Coraccio. He also leaves a sister, Elizabeth Iovino.
Joe enlisted in the U.S. Navy in March 1942 and served on the battleship USS Indiana in the Pacific Theater for the duration of World War II, earning 12 battle stars. The war took his hearing in one ear but gave him lasting friendships that endured for more than 70 years.
After the war, Joe finished his schooling and became a master electrician. He was a proud and active member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 99 for 58 years and worked for the James J. O’Rourke Construction Company for 30 years.
A gifted athlete, Joe competed on the Wanskuck Boys Club swim team and was a sought-after catcher in several baseball leagues in the Providence area in the 1940s and 1950s. The Shephard Company department store once put him on its payroll simply so he could play on its baseball team. He was an avid golfer well into his 80s and particularly enjoyed his golf trips with his beloved nephews.
Joe was devoted to his family, friends and community and was the first one people would call if they needed anything. He stepped in as a surrogate father to many children over the years, most especially the daughters of his best boyhood friend, Anthony Giorgi.
Joe loved people and always had a smile on his face. He made friends everywhere he went, even in the checkout line at the grocery store. He will be deeply missed by many, many people.
In addition to his immediate family, he also leaves several loving nieces, nephews and friends from all walks of life. He was the brother of the late Agnes Folcarelli, Helen DiTomasso, and Justin, Marguerite, William, Edward and Eugene McCarthy.
Visiting hours will be Tuesday, Feb. 2, from 5 to 8 p.m. at A. A. Mariani and Son Funeral Home, 200 Hawkins St., Providence. The funeral service will be Wednesday, Feb. 3, at 10 a.m. at the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian burial at 11 a.m. at St. Agnes Church, 351 Branch Ave., Providence. Burial will follow in St. Francis Cemetery, 163 Smithfield Ave., Pawtucket.
Kindly omit flowers. The family would appreciate donations in Joe’s name to Patriot Paws (http://www.patriotpaws.org/), a charity that trains and provides service dogs at no cost to disabled American veterans and others.