It is with heavy hearts the family of Jeremiah Joseph (Jerry) McCarthy wish to advise of his peaceful passing on January 6th, 2026 as a result of a sudden illness at the age of 84. He was predeceased by his wife, Ann Lorraine (Laurie) Leudy (Sept 20, 2001), and his infant son, Jerry (Jan. 1964). He was also predeceased by his parents, Jerry McCarthy and Ellen (Carrigan) McCarthy, as well as his brother, Charles; his sisters, Ethel, Willena, Maggie, and Theresa.

Jerry will be forever missed and remembered by his daughter, Denise (Steve) Melnick; sons, Tom (Paula) McCarthy and Shaun McCarthy; grandchildren, Peter Melnick, Stephanie (Mike) Kanne, Alex and Samantha McCarthy; two great granddaughters, Emily MacDonald Melnick and Laurie Kanne. He is also survived by his brother, Miles (Cathy) McCarthy, along with many nieces and nephews.

Jerry lived a long and happy life after retiring from the mines where he had worked for 43 years, 35 years of which were underground. Perhaps that’s why he loved to be in the woods hunting or near a cool stream passing the time fishing, and then again sometimes just a walk in the fresh air that he always said was the best and cheapest medicine you could find. In later years he enjoyed ice skating, rollerblading and gardening. His favorite place in the summer was in the yard beside his vegetable and flower gardens sometimes watching the hummingbirds while listening to his favorite music.

He had a personality that was bigger than life itself, and although his life is over, his memory will live on. He loved to torment and did so to those whom he loved. Jerry loved to have the odd drink of rum with some good friends, not to mention Willie, Merle and Hank as well as other country favorites.

In the most recent months, Jerry suffered from advanced Dementia. He is now at peace and with those he knows and loves in heaven dancing once again cheek to cheek with his beloved wife, Laurie, as they used to do around the kitchen at home.

The family sends special thanks to all the staff who cared for him at New Waterford Hospital, New Waterford Heights, Melville Lodge in Halifax and the staff at the Halifax Infirmary.

Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026 from 1 p.m. until the time of the service at 2 p.m. all in V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home Chapel, 380 Smith Street, New Waterford. Father Jim Oliver officiating. A reception will follow in the funeral home with burial immediately afterwards in St. Agnes Cemetery, New Waterford. Donations in his memory may be made to a charity of one's choice. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca.