John R. McCarthy (Jack) passed away surrounded by his loving family after a long battle with cancer on Sunday, December 10, 2023 at The Center for Hope Hospice in Scotch Plains. He was 81 years old.

Born in Jersey City on May 31, 1942 to the late Margaret and Frederick McCarthy, he has resided in the Iselin section of Woodbridge Township since 1977.

Mr. McCarthy was a graduate of Snyder High School in Jersey City and served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War era.

Jack was known for his infectious smile, love of his family and his dance moves. He was always the life of the party and was known as a great man by many.  He loved to golf, family gatherings and his dog pal Lulu.

He was a member of Teamsters Local #641, retiring from Ryerson Steel Company.

Mr. McCarthy was a communicant of Saint Andrew Catholic Church in Avenel; a member and vice commander of the Colonia American Legion Post #248; fourth  degree member and bar chairman for the Saint Cecelia's Knights of Columbus; and third degree member of the Saint Andrew Knights of Columbus in Avenel.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a granddaughter Tara McCarthy; sister, Barbara McCarthy; and brothers, William and Robert McCarthy.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Marilyn O'Brien McCarthy; daughters, Donna McCarthy of Colonia and Laura McCarthy of Colonia; sons, David McCarthy and his wife, Lisa, of Somerset, Brian McCarthy of Avenel, and John McCarthy and his wife, Denise, of South Amboy; brothers, Thomas McCarthy of Sayreville and Frederick McCarthy of Old Bridge; sister, Marilyn Iorio, of Kearney; grandchildren, Courtney, Brian, Meaghan, Samantha, Michael and Jake; great-granddaughter, Mia; and step grandchildren, Georgie and Shane

Funeral services will take place on Saturday, December 16, 2023 at 9:30 a.m. from Costello-Koyen Funeral Home, 399 Avenel Street, Avenel.  A Funeral Liturgy will follow at 10:00 a.m. at Saint Andrew Catholic Church in Avenel. Interment will be in St. Gertrude Cemetery, Colonia.  Visiting hours will be on Friday from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers contributions to Saint Jude Children's Research Hospital (stjude.org) in Mr. McCarthy's memory would be greatly appreciated by his family.