Woodstock, Vermont

It is with profound sadness we announce the passing of Michael Joseph McCarthy, loving husband, nurturing father, proud grandfather, devoted brother, fun uncle, and respected friend. Michael ("Joe" "Mike") passed away peacefully at age 82 on September 9, 2021, rejoining his parents and grandson, George, in heaven.

Michael was born to Michael Joseph McCarthy and Anne McCarthy (nee King) into an Irish Catholic family on April 17,1939 in Riverdale, New York. His father was born in Kerry Ireland and his mother was from Galway Ireland. He was raised in Throgs Neck, New York and in New Hyde Park, Long Island.

He graduated from Hofstra University in Hempstead, Long Island with a degree in Business.
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Michael met his wife Lucille at an après-ski party in 1965 and they loved to drive in his Austin Healey with the top down. The two were married August 12,1967 and spent 54 happy years together. The couple eventually moved to Rockville Centre, New York, where they raised their family. In 1990 they put roots down in Woodstock Vermont where Michael lived the remaining years of his life.

He began his career at Schaffer Brewing Company and remained in the wine and spirits industry his entire career rising to National Sales Manager for several companies. He was the owner of Woodstock Beverage for 20 years until his retirement in 2019.

Michael was a longstanding parishioner of St. Agnes Cathedral in Rockville Centre, New York, Our Lady of the Snows Church in Woodstock, Vermont, and a beloved and admired member of the Woodstock Rotary Club and the K of C.

Michael lived an active life, finding joy in sailing, family dinners at the cabana at the beach, enjoying good wine and food. He was also an avid traveler who appreciated the beauty and culture of new places and especially those back to his Irish heritage, which he passed on to his family.

We will always remember his easy laughter, loving smile, and his natural ability to make everyone feel welcome with a "Hello Toots". Michael loved to be outdoors; gardening and mowing the lawn on his tractor, taking afternoon walks with his wife Lucille and watching his beloved New York Yankees.
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More than anything, Michael loved to be surrounded by family and friends and could be counted on to bring a smile to the faces of all who encountered him. He treasured his family and embraced every moment with them. He especially loved his role as "Grandpa Joe" to his grandchildren. Michael's warmth and vivacious personality were contagious, and his positivity and charm were to be admired.
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Michael is survived by his wife Lucille (nee Nestor), daughter and son-in-law, Tara and Michael O'Connor; son Michael McCarthy; daughter and son-in-law Kirsten and Daniel Brouillet, grandchildren, Caitlin, Jack and Finn O'Connor, Heath McCarthy, Emily, Patrick, and Aidan Brouillet; sister Ruth Walshe and many nieces, nephews, family, and friends. He is predeceased by his grandson George McCarthy.

Michael lived his life with a strong faith and special devotion. He found great solace in prayer and shared his faith with all who knew him.

Our family takes comfort knowing that Michael is resting in peace.

Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated 11am on Friday, October 22, 2021 at Our Lady of the Snow Church, 7 South Street Woodstock, Vermont.

In lieu of flowers, please make any donations to your local Children's Leukemia Foundation or the American Heart Association.

The Cabot Funeral Home in Woodstock is assisting the family. An on line guest book can be found at cabotfh.com