John Kelly McCarthy
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.