Obituary of Mary A McCarthy
Mary A. McCarthy, age 93, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 22, 2025, at her home in North Plainfield, New Jersey.
Born on September 6, 1931, in Dunmore, Pennsylvania, Mary was the beloved daughter of Genevieve and Giuseppe Occulto. She was raised in Dunmore and graduated from Dunmore High School with the Class of 1949. In 1954, she moved to Plainfield, New Jersey, later settling in South Plainfield before making North Plainfield her home for the past 60 years.
Mary and Clyde met at age 15 and dated all through high school and after graduation. When Clyde was drafted in 1951, he took a 30-day deferment to marry Mary. While he served in Korea, they wrote letters constantly to feel connected. Mary stayed with her parents and worked in a large furniture department store in Scranton and spent many hours a week with Clyde’s parents. Upon his return, they settled into an apartment for a few months and Clyde found work in New Jersey. Their incredible life story of love and devotion is an inspiration to all of us and everyone they meet. Whenever people asked, they would happily say they met in high school and have been together ever since.
Mary began her professional career as a key punch operator at Allstate Insurance in Murray Hill. She later joined CIBA Pharmaceuticals in Summit, where she served as an administrative assistant to a research doctor. In 1969, Mary made the selfless decision to retire from her career in order to embrace her most cherished role—motherhood. Their lifelong dream of parenthood became a reality when they were finally approved for adoption in 1969. That same year, she and her husband adopted their son, CJ McCarthy, the love of their lives. Mary embraced motherhood wholeheartedly, devoting herself to being a nurturing, present, and devoted mother. Her love was unwavering, and she created a warm and welcoming home filled with care, tradition, and joy. She exemplified the very meaning of being a homemaker—not as a job, but as a life of intentional love and dedication.
Mary’s love for her son continued even after his passing in 2017, a loss she carried with quiet grace and enduring strength. Her heart remained full of his memory, his laughter, and the deep joy he brought into her life.
Mary was a longtime communicant of St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church in North Plainfield. She was also a founding member and secretary of the Italian American Club Women’s Auxiliary, a role that brought immeasurable joy and meaning to her life. The club was not just an organization but a close-knit community of couples and families who formed decades-long friendships. Friday nights were reserved for dinners—most often at Giovanna’s in Plainfield—filled with laughter, stories, and connection. The group shared countless memories through travel, summer picnics, and family celebrations. Mary and her husband deeply valued these friendships that became an extension of their own family.
In addition to the Italian American Club, Mary remained close with a cherished group of friends from her early years at Allstate. This circle of eight women became more like sisters than friends—traveling together, dining together, and supporting one another through all of life’s seasons.
Mary had a distinctive sense of style that everyone admired. She was always impeccably dressed, her appearance a reflection of her poise and self-respect. Her elegance was effortless, and she made a lasting impression wherever she went.
At the heart of everything, Mary’s greatest joy was her husband Clyde, son CJ, and her family. She extended that love to her extended family, taking an active and loving role in their lives. She never imposed, never overstepped—she simply offered her presence, her listening ear, and her quiet strength. She was a source of comfort, wisdom, and kindness, and she will be remembered for the gentle yet powerful way she showed up for those she loved.
She was predeceased by her beloved son CJ McCarthy in 2017; her brothers Joseph Occulto and Cataldo Occulto; and her sister-in-law Janet Occulto.
Mary is survived by her devoted husband of 72 years, Clyde McCarthy; 22 nieces and nephews; and 23 great-nieces and great-nephews whose lives she touched so deeply.
She is also survived by her brother Salvatore Occulto; her brother Angelo Occulto and his wife Carolyn; her sister-in-law Mrs. Anne Occulto; and her sister-in-law Mrs. Judy McCarthy.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Higgins Home for Funerals, 752 Mountain Blvd., Watchung, NJ. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at 9:00 AM at St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, located at the corner of Jackson Avenue and Watchung Avenue in North Plainfield. Interment will follow at Hillside Cemetery in Scotch Plains, NJ.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
