Obituary of Ralph M.J. McCarthy

Ralph M.J. McCarthy, 85, of Peabody, died early Wednesday morning at the Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers following a brief illness. He was the former husband of the late Matilda (Kwiatkowski) McCarthy. Born in Peabody, he was the son of the late Michael and Mary (Hogan) McCarthy. He was raised and educated in the Peabody school system. He later lived in Salem for 14 years and in 1960 moved back to Peabody. Ralph worked for the city of Peabody as a foreman for the public works department until his retirement in 1999. Prior to working for the city, he worked as a supervisor for A.C. Lawrence for twenty years as a machine operator, and for Acreage Development Inc. Ralph was very active in the community and was past president of the Cy Tenny Club in Peabody, he also was a member of the Gerry #5 V.F.A. Inc, the Victori Rocci Post Club in Beverly, and was a past president of the AFM Union for the city of Peabody. Ralph was also a 3rd degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus, Leo Council #508 in Peabody. He also enjoyed gardening and dancing. He is survived by a daughter, Sharon Smidt of Salem, and two sons and daughters-in-law, Philip and Catherine McCarthy of Milford, NH, and William and Cynthia McCarthy of Epping, NH, two sisters, Marion Stepenuck of Salem, and Margaret Sheehan of Beverly, a brother and sister-in-law, Warren and Joan McCarthy of Danvers, a sister-in-law, Theresa McCarthy of Salem, four grandchildren, Jason Smidt, and Katelin, Ryan, and Ian McCarthy and is also survived by a great grandson, Christopher Holmes and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was the brother of the late Arthur and Raymond McCarthy and a dear friend of the late Julia Eaton. His funeral service will be held on Saturday at 9:00 AM from the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 20 Church St., Peabody Facility, followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:00 AM in St. Adelaide’s Church, Peabody to which relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. Visiting hours will be held on Friday from 2-4 and 6-8 PM. Burial in Cedar Grove Cemetery, Peabody.