John & Beatrice McCarthy

Mr and Mrs John I McCarthy, married for 59 ½ years, passed away this past holiday season, within a few short days of each other.

Beatrice Ann McCarthy (Bonesteel) June 23, 1933 – January 1, 2019, was a faithful and devoted wife and mother. She was born and raised in Kingston and Port Ewan, NY and was one of 8 children of Clark and Beatrice Bonesteel. She graduated from Kingston High School at 16, and immediately set out on her own to work for NY Telephone company. She met met future husband Jack when she had a well-timed flat tire in the NY Tel parking lot. Jack changed her tire, she made him a sandwich and the rest is history.

Bea had many hobbies and skills. She had the greenest of thumbs and could always be found “digging in the dirt’. She loved music, needlepoint, reading and people. Her family recipe for Apple Oatmeal Bars is legendary.  She loved her six children and grandchildren most of all though. Bea would speak with pride of her boys and their families to anyone who would listen.

John I McCarthy June 28, 1937 – December 22, 2018 was a fantastic husband and father. He was raised in Saugerties, NY., the son of William and Emma McCarthy, nephew of LeRoy and Eleanor Snyder.  Jack graduated from Saugerties High School and joined the telephone company as a lineman. He met Beatrice, joined the Army, where he served in Germany, and started his family in Chittenango, New York.

Jack was a man of many talents. He was a skilled wood worker and craftsman and traveled the country helping his family get started in their new homes and communities. He also lent his talents to the Chittenango Boy Scouts,  CCS Booster club, and Telephone company Talking Books program. He loved music and sports. His favorite thing though, was to have his family and friends around him while sharing goofy, warm, funny, self-deprecating stories about his youth and his experiences as a Dad. He got a lot of satisfaction out of making anyone laugh.

Jack and Bea are survived by their 6 sons: Bill (Jean) John (Stacy) Pat (Joanne) Mike (Leah) Christopher and Josh (Anna) and 12 grandchildren as well as brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews and their beloved Aunt Pidge.

There will be a celebration of life for Bea and Jack McCarthy on May 18, 2019 in Saugerties, NY starting with a service and memorial at Seamon-Wilsey Funeral Home

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