| Date of Birth | September 5, 1946 |
| Date Deceased | October 30, 2024 |
| Hometown | Canandaigua/Avoca |
| Home State | N.Y. |
| Service Date | November 8, 2024 |
| Service Time | 11 a.m. |
| Service Location | St. Pius V Church, Cohocton |
John Kelly McCarthy
CANANDAIGUA/AVOCA – John Kelly McCarthy of Canandaigua, NY (formerly of Avoca, NY) died on Wednesday (October 30, 2024). He was born September 5, 1946 to Timothy F. and Marion Kelly McCarthy in Elmira, NY.
In 1968, John graduated from Le Moyne College in Syracuse with a degree in Political Science. From January 1969 to November 1970, he served as a sergeant in the U.S. Army, including a 13-month tour of duty in Korea. Upon completion of his military service, he continued his education at the Syracuse University College of Law, receiving his Juris Doctorate in 1974.
John joined the Henry J. Scudder Law Office in 1974, which eventually became the McCarthy Law Office. He practiced his entire legal career in Bath, NY; a member of the NYS Bar Association and a past President of the Steuben County Bar Association, he was legal counsel for numerous Towns, Villages and School Districts, as well as being counsel to various business organizations. In the latter years of his practice, he served in an “of counsel” position with Mullen & Associates Law Office.
John was most proud of the fact that for over 40 years he represented the interests of children in Family Court. In recognition of this service, he was awarded the Michael F. Dillon Law Guardian Award for the 7th Judicial District.
As much as John enjoyed the practice of law, his greatest joy was his family, particularly his children and grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years Patricia Harris McCarthy, his children Allison McCarthy (Alexander Jones), Jeffrey McCarthy (Kymberly Morris McCarthy) and Mathew McCarthy (Jolie Riekofski McCarthy), and his grandchildren Nevan McCarthy, Sophia Jones, Vivian McCarthy, Elise McCarthy and Genevieve McCarthy. He is also survived by his brother Timothy F. McCarthy of Gainesville, VA, his brother-in-law Thomas G. Harris of Wellsboro, PA, his niece Tara McCarthy and nephews Ryan McCarthy and Philip McCarthy, and many cousins.
The funeral service will be at St. Pius V Catholic Church, 35 Maple Avenue, Cohocton, NY at 11:00 am on Friday (November 8, 2024). The burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations in John’s memory may be made to the Cohocton Food Pantry, 37 Maple Avenue, Cohocton, NY 14826 or to the Church or charity of your choosing.
The Bishop & DeSanto Funeral Home, 22 N. Main St., Avoca is honored to assist John’s family with the arrangements.
Online condolences or remembrances of John are welcome below in the comment section or on the Facebook page of Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home.
John McCarthy was amazing man. We have only had the pleasure of his company for the last 5 years. He had the best laugh and he loved his family. He will be sadly missed.
I had the privilege of practicing alongside John McCarthy as a law guardian in Steuben County Family Court for quite a few years. He was always a pleasure to work with and to know– kind, compassionate and dedicated to doing right by those he represented. His presence made the work lighter and the courtroom a warmer place. I will remember him fondly and my heartfelt condolences go out to his family and friends.
I have nothing but fond memories of John personally and professionally. May he rest in peace,
He was a dedicated Atty. for the Town of Wheeler for many years. Never missed a meeting. He was missed.
I am sorry to read of the loss of John. We were pleased to call him friend, neighbor and lawyer. He was a good man and we will miss him. Love and prayers to the family.
We are sorry to hear of John’s passing, he was a gentlemen and a gentle man in his professional and private life. We feel honored to have crossed paths with John and call him a friend. Our deepest sympathy to Pat and his family. May he rest in peace until we meet again. Tink & Kay Beckman 💕
The whole Kelly family is saddened to hear of John’s death. He was always a great friend in grammar school and high school. He was a favorite my father and was very helpful organizing his affairs. I’m unable to attend the service on Friday but my thoughts are with John’s family. I’m confident that on Wednesday October 30, Jesus wept just as he did for Lazarus.
Childhood buddies at 561-563 Grove St for 14 yrs., I have wonderful memories of Johnny, Timmy, Harp, Marion, and Mrs. Kelly. As youngsters, wherever John was, I was close by, whether playing football in the street or climbing the monkey bars at Grove Park. My sincerest condolences to his wife, children, grandchildren, brother, and those left to remember what a wonderful, accomplished, successful man he had become. Truly there is a special place in Heaven for my friend, who like his Uncle Dan, was a strong advocate for family and especially children. You can rest easy now, Johnny…… your work here is done.
One of the finest and most upstanding individuals I have ever known in the legal community, besides being a great legal mind.
I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of John, my prayers and thoughts are with you Pat and your children and grandchildren
John will be missed so much.
Call me anytime Pat!
Love
Vickie Bowen
John was the best! He was our friend, our lawyer and a fun guy just to be around. He will be missed by many❤️. Pat and family, we are so very sorry for your loss. We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers🙏