Robert Patrick McCarty

Robert Patrick McCarty, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, son and U.S. Air Force veteran passed away unexpectedly on November 27, 2014. He was 66 years old. Pat's devotion to family was never limited by time or distance and each member of his family has experienced the steadfast comfort of his enduring love. Pat was born February 24, 1948 in Mesa, Arizona and grew up in a military family. He was proud to have his father administer the oath of office he took when he enlisted at eighteen. Pat committed himself to a career in the United States Air Force with quiet modesty and with distinction. He served in the Air Force from 1967 until his retirement in 1993. He served in Vietnam and flew 35 missions in a C-47 as a communications systems operator. He refused to accept the title of hero, remarking that heroes were "those who didn't return." While in service, Pat's awards included the Distinguished Flying Cross, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, and Joint Service Achievement Medals. Later, Pat enrolled in college at the University of New Mexico, where he earned an MA in Business Administration, a proud moment in his life. Once he retired from the Air Force, Pat worked in two locksmith shops and was then employed for eleven years in the UNM admissions office. When he retired from UNM in 2011, he began to volunteer in the Veteran's hospital. He felt privileged to "give something to those who sacrificed so much for their country." Pat was preceded in death by his father, Colonel Benjamin Frederick McCarty. He is survived by his wife, Sherry (Chavers) McCarty; two daughters, Bonnie Brewer, husband Adam, and grandson Alex of Albuquerque; daughter Laura McCarty, and granddaughter, Kathrine of Ashburn, Virginia; his mother, Nancy Lee (Frost) McCarty; sister, Debra Benton and husband John, their children Brittany and Scott; his two brothers, Michael Barry McCarty, and Benjamin Frederick McCarty II, wife Kimberly and daughter Lindsey of Arizona. The family will receive friends on Sunday, December 7, 2014 from 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at FRENCH - Wyoming. Interment will take place Monday, December 8, 2014 at 12:45 p.m. at the Santa Fe National Cemetery with military honors by the United States Air Force. FRENCH - Wyoming 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE (505) 823-9400