PDG & DeWitt Rotarian Joe McCarthy passes away

According to his son Bob, he was "96 years, 4 months, and 5 days.....He had a pretty good run!"

 

Joe was the Manager of the JC Penney's store in ShoppingTown DeWitt and well known in the CNY community. Joe joined Rotary in 1968 and served almost 55 years. 

 

Joe will be remembered as a hard-working, generous, and dedicated Rotarian, always dressed in shirt  and tie and walking tall. For decades, Joe was the consummate volunteer and salesman, selling wood  at DeWitt Rotary's annual outdoors firewood sale, serving food and washing floors at the Samaritan Center  in Syracuse, and hawking newspapers for Old Newsboys. He also took pride in in selling lots of tickets to the annual Pancake Day event DeWitt Rotary hosted every year for over 60 years. And he always  worked at the event. Joe's son wrote, "My Dad’s participation in Rotary Events was very special to him and they were the highlights of his days!"

 

Joe also served Rotary District 7150 in the following capacities over the years: District Membership Attraction and Engagement Chair (1998-1999, 2010-2011); District Annual Fund Subcommittee Chair (2008-2009);  District New Club Development Chair (1998-1999, 2000-2001, 2003-2004, 2008-2009); and District Governor (DG) (1994-1995). Always willing to share Rotary with others, Joe helped with the formation of the Syracuse  Inner City Rotary Club. He also generously and regularly donated to The Rotary Foundation, achieving 4 years as a sustaining member, 5 years as an EREY, and Paul Harris Fellow Plus 5. He also was the recipient of a  Presidential Citation. 

 

According to the family, services for Joe will not be until March. In the meantime, cards and notes to Joe's wife would be very welcome. Her address is: