Serving West Michigan Since 1899

John E. McCarthy

November 17, 1944 - June 13, 2022
Benita Springs, FL

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John Edward McCarthy, 77, of Bonita Springs, FL passed away June 13, 2022 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. John was born in Detroit, MI to the late Edward & Helen McCarthy. He graduated from St. Benedictine High School. He was a US Marine Corps Veteran as a Lance Corporal, and was very patriotic to his country. He was married to his love, Brenda for 54 years, and raised four children. John & Brenda’s love story began at a young age, and they worked tirelessly to provide for their family. John loved living and traveling to many parts of Michigan and around the world, but found a love for Georgia & Florida.

John’s automotive career began at General Motors as an Adhesive Engineer, then he was recruited away to a sales representative company due to his extensive people skills. He eventually branched off on his own, starting his own company as a Business Development representative in the automotive supply industry. John was liked by so many and he was a natural at reading people's intentions. He was able to build a business not only to support his own family, yet also many other families through employment and sales opportunities. He made many lifelong friends in his industry, and will be missed by many around the world.

John loved playing golf on a regular basis, and experiencing life through the eyes of his children & grandchildren. He was a dedicated father and husband, and always wanted to provide well for his family. He loved his family beyond measure, and it became more apparent in his later years. The sacrifices he made throughout his life were a blessing to his family and so many more. He was so proud of his children and grandchildren. He cherished his time with his children, and embraced every moment he was blessed to have with them. He especially loved his role as a Papa to his thirteen grandchildren, and three great grandchildren. He had a witty and humorous personality, and enjoyed watching people laugh at his slightly sarcastic jokes. He was a giving, kind hearted, empathetic, gracious, knowledgeable, merciful, humble, and charitable man. In his final days, he was closer to Jesus than any other point in his life. The very night before his passing, he prayed to make Jesus the lord of his life and wanted to spend eternity with him!

John is survived by his lovely wife, Brenda, his children Michelle (Michael) Boyd, Derrick (Kelly) McCarthy, Kevin McCarthy, Melissa (Nathan) Brown. He is honored as a Papa to his thirteen grandchildren Jessica, Megan, McKenzie, Ashley, Maclain, Kate, Logan, Alaina, John, Hope, Alexander, Lucas and Caleb. He was a beloved Great Papa to his three great grandchildren, Novalynn, Leilynn and Anchetto. Also adored by his grandpups Annie, Toby, Olivia and Rosie.

John is cherished and loved by surviving siblings; Mary (Bob) Burger, Michael (Carol) McCarthy, Patrick McCarthy. Brother to the late Dianna (Jim) Giddings and Edward (Kathy) McCarthy.Proceeded and survived by many nieces and nephews.

Service: June 18, 2022 at Dykstra Funeral Home, 29 East 9th Street, Holland, MI., at 1:00pm.

Memorial Visitation: 11:00am-1:00pm

Funeral Service: 1:00pm with Military Honors to follow. Light Refreshments will follow honors. Burial to be later at Gibson Cemetery with immediate family including a beach prayer.

John cherished and went on a mission trip to Kenya with a charity called Kids Alive International. He would love for you to honor his memory by making a donation in place of any flowers or gifts. Donations can be made to Kids Alive International 2507 Cumberland Drive Valparaiso, IN 46383 www.kidsalive.org in honor of John McCarthy (please add John McCarthy in the notes section).

Funeral arrangements are under the auspices of the Downtown Chapel.