Clyde J. McCarthy, age 95, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 26 at Overlook Medical Center, Summit, NJ. Born on February 11, 1931, in Dunmore, PA, Clyde was the beloved son of Anna and Austin A. McCarthy Sr. He was raised in Dunmore and studied in Dunmore Public School System.  

While at high school, at age 15, Clyde met Mary, the absolute love of his life from first glance. While dating, Mary found in Clyde’s quiet demeanor the examples of his kind, loving, thoughtful, gentle strength that she grew to love and depend upon for more than 80 years. 

Clyde was drafted and took a 30-day deferment to marry Mary and after a brief honeymoon in Niagara Falls, he reported for duty with Company “B” 32nd Infantry Regiment (Korea) within 7th Infantry Division. This unit was well known for its critical and historic battles in major combat campaigns of the conflict. He was honorably discharged on August 20, 1954. 

In 1954, he moved to Plainfield and found work as a painter apprentice. Little did he know that it would become a lifelong passion. His expertise and attention to detail were noticed not only by his employer but by the customers that he had the pleasure of working directly with. As his mentor was approaching retirement, Clyde decided that it was time to strike out on his own. It was a substantial risk for them both, but his work and reputation spread, and he acquired all his clients through recommendations, never having to solicit or advertise. Clyde’s lifelong clients became family to him too. He entered their homes each day with the joy of satisfying someone, making it better than it was before. His genuine kindness and caring were always on display. He entered every home as if it were his own, showing great respect to those who trusted him and became their family too. He watched their children grow, succeed, marry, and become a second generation of customers. He worked continuously full-time doing interior and exterior painting until Mary was no longer willing to risk losing him from a fall or injury. 

They have lived in North Plainfield since 1967 in their home that Clyde built.  

His membership in the Italian American Club of North Plainfield was instrumental in the success of the organization. Clyde was honored for his many years of volunteering, taking on any responsibility that would benefit the Club and make it the success that it is. He was a proud member of the Club until his passing. It afforded both he and Mary a lifetime of friendship, shared experiences with people that became their chosen family. They built a network of lifelong friendships having shared all their life experiences together. Laughing, dancing, dining, trips to local resorts and their commitment to volunteer activities made their club a success. 

Their long-awaited parenthood became a reality when they were approved for adoption in 1969. Their son CJ Jr. completed their family. Clyde became a proud father dedicating his life not only to his wife but his son as well. Words cannot express joy nor convey the profound sense of pride that he felt throughout CJ’s life. Unfortunately, they lost CJ in 2017 due to his untimely passing.  

Mary and Clyde’s lives changed forever, but true to their resilient nature, they persevered through the challenges and continued to find joy in the blessings that surrounded them. Much of that joy came from watching their many nieces and nephews grow, build their own families, and flourish through the years. They have been blessed to witness new families being created and to share in the love, milestones, and happiness of the generations that followed. 

Clyde also enjoyed the camaraderie of his comrades in the American Legion Post 265, North Plainfield. He participated in numerous Memorial Day Services, their annual picnics in Green Acres, and found comfort in sharing his wartime activities with those who knew what he experienced so well. 

They were lifelong communicants in St. Joseph Church, North Plainfield. With Mary’s passing, Clyde again called upon his faith that has sustained him throughout his life. He remained a kind, loving, compassionate friend, generous in spirit, maintaining a wonderful sense of humor and accepting this season of his life. 

He was predeceased by his wife Mary A. McCarthy, son CJ Jr., brother Austin A. McCarthy Jr. (Mac), and former sister-in-law Helen T. McCarthy. 

He is survived by his niece Kathleen A. Impallomeni (McCarthy) and husband Robert of Ocean View, Delaware; nephew Michael A. McCarthy, Atlantic City, New Jersey; his brothers-in-law Angelo Occuloto and his wife Carolyn, and Salvatore Occuloto; and his sisters-in-law, Mrs. Anne Occuloto and Judy McCarthy. 

Clyde’s joy, love, and laughter will be remembered always by his many godchildren, nieces, nephews, and children whose lives he touched. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Clyde’s memory to the Wounded Warrior Project or the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.