Peter Charles McCarthy Obituary in Peabody at Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home

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Peter Charles McCarthy

September 08, 1941 - September 16, 2021

Obituary For Peter Charles McCarthy

Peter Charles McCarty, age 80 of Salem and formerly of Peabody, passed away after a brief illness on Thursday September 16, 2021, at the Mass General Hospital in Boston surrounded by his loving family. He was the oldest of 5 children of Charles and Mary (Leonard) McCarthy. Peter is survived by his wife of 55 years Mary Anne (Joyce) McCarthy, a son Patrick John Paul McCarthy and his wife Kathleen, and a beloved grandson Seamus Riley McCarthy, all of Swampscott.

Peter is also survived by his brothers, Dr. James McCarthy and his wife Andrea of Osterville, Robert and his wife Jeanne of Plum Island, his sister, Ann McClellan and her husband John of Venice, FL, and was predeceased by his brother John. Peter was also a loving uncle to many nieces and nephews.

After graduating from Peabody High School in 1960, he continued his studies at Suffolk University and received his bachelor’s degree and later, during his working career, he received his master’s degree from Boston University.

Over his impressive career in public service, Peter was a member of the Peabody School Committee (1965-1969), a State Representative from Peabody’s 5th Essex District (1969 – 1979), Legislative Secretary to the Governor (1979 – 1980), Assistant Commissioner, Dept of Social Services (1980 – 1985), Director of Federal / State relations for the Executive Office of Human Services (1985- 2001), Government Relations Consultant to the New England Center and Home for Veterans from 2001 until his retirement in 2016.

Peter was honorably discharged from the US Marines Corps and was a member of the Semper Fidelis Society and Marine Corps League.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the family has chosen funeral services to be limited to family. A Celebration of Life will be held later. Expressions of sympathy can be made in his name to the New England Center and Home for Veterans, 17 Court St, Boston, MA 02108.

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July 27, 2023

Joseph MichaelMcCarthy

Maryanne Love to you and the rest of your entire family. Peter was such a great friend and mentor to me. I always enjoyed visiting both of you when I was home on vacation from Texas. He will be sorely missed by me. I moved back to Boston Northend in 2017. I am semi retired working with homeless individuals at the Cardinal Mederios House located at 1960 Washington St. Boston, Mass. May Peter rest in peace.
October 16, 2021

Lynne Berry

The first time I met Peter he was a substitute teacher for my seventh grade class. I remember him asking me if my father was John Berry, the State Representative. When I told him yes, we had a great conversation about politics. Peter substituted a lot during that school year. He was my all-time favorite substitute teacher. Our paths continued to cross as I got older. When he became a state rep from Peabody I was so proud of him. I believe the last time I saw him was about 15 years ago when my mom passed away. I guess he made quite an impact on me if I can remember all this so many years later. I extend my sympathies to his family on the loss of this remarkable man.
September 27, 2021

Rob O'Keefe

I would like to express my sympathy to Mary Anne and Patrick for the loss of Pete, a long time friend and fellow Gardner Park resident, where we grew up. Pete is remembered for his outstanding service as a public servant in Peabody, most pointedly as a State Representative, a position held by my father, Louis O'Keefe, prior to Pete. Pete was an honorable and wonderful man. Rob O'Keefe
September 26, 2021

Patrick Burke

Maryanne, my prays are with you and the family during these difficult times. I will miss my chance encounters with Peter at Bertini's to pickup his pizza or at Salem Willows at Hobbs for ice cream or popcorn. He was a wonderful man and a great public servant. He will be deeply missed. Respectfully, Patrick Burke
September 22, 2021

Sheila D'Ambrosio

Maryanne and family...my deepest sympathies in the passing of Peter...My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family...Sheila (White) D'Ambrosio
September 20, 2021

Susan Runnals

Maryanne love to you and yours. Peter was such a kind man especially to Caren and I when my dad passed. Love to you all, take care. Love, Susan McCarthy Runnals
September 20, 2021

Joan (Horrigan) Melanson

Dear Mary Anne and family So sorry to read of Peter passing. I remember following his career and dedication to you and your family. We are former Cottage Street neighbors and remember with fondness your Mom and Dad and their kindness to my dear Mother. Fondly, Joan (Horrigan) Melanson
September 20, 2021

Cheryl Yagjian

The words we want to say are difficult to find sometimes. Their journey begins far, far away in the heart. With sincere condolences, The Yagjian Family
September 20, 2021

Regina Villa

Dear Mary Anne, Peter was a good and a smart man. I always loved him and enjoyed him. May he rest in peace. Respectfully, Regina (Jean) Villa
September 20, 2021

Regina Villa
September 19, 2021

Susan and Ed Calnan

We fondly remember lots of time spent with Peter and Maryann in the "old days". Peter had a wonderful life and he loved his family so dearly. We send our prayers for you all and our love too. Sincerely, Susan and Ed Calnan
September 19, 2021

bill ryan

peter was a great friend...we served in the legislature together .....what ever position that he held he would always give a 1000 %....he will be missed......former state representative and mayor of haverhill bill ryan