William McCarthy

Chief Master Sergeant William L. McCarthy USAF, Retired, Age 70, died suddenly in his sleep on the morning of January 14, 2013 at his home in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Bill was born and raised in Medford, Massachusetts on September 24, 1942 to the late Charles H. and Gertrude M. (Powers) McCarthy. He enlisted in the United States Air Force at age 18 and served with honor and distinction in the aviation and aircraft maintenance career fields. A decorated veteran of the Vietnam War, Chief McCarthy received countless awards including two Distinguished Flying Crosses, two Meritorious Service Medals, and multiple Air Medals. He was promoted to the highest enlisted rank and retired from active duty in 1987 after more than 26 years of distinguished service to our country. Mr. McCarthy followed his Air Force career with a second career as a jumbo jet field representative for McDonnell-Douglas Aircraft Corporation and the Boeing Company in Long Beach California, the Netherlands, and Germany. He retired from his civilian occupation in 2003, settling in Albuquerque, New Mexico. William McCarthy spent a lifetime committed to the ideals and precepts of what he cherished; his family, his country, and his Christian Catholic faith. He and his wife of 44 years were devoted to each other and their primary hobby was showering their family with love and affection. His selfless commitment to the United States of America is evidenced by his over two and a half decades of principled service to our country and the hundreds of airman he led along the way. He was a longtime parishioner of Our Lady of the Sandias on Kirtland Air Force Base and a lifetime member of numerous local parishes throughout his multitude of military and civilian moves. Bill is survived by his loving wife, Alma; their daughters, Kimberly Singletary and her husband, Lt. Col. William Singletary, and Tracy Campbell and her husband, Justin Campbell; his grandchildren whom he adored, Eli, Emma, Will and Remi. He is survived by his brothers, David McCarthy and Robert McCarthy both of Boston as well as many more cherished family and friends. Friends may visit Tuesday, January 22, 2013 from 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at FRENCH - Lomas. Catholic Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, January 23, 2013, 9:30 a.m. at Our Lady of the Sandias, Kirtland AFB, 1950 2nd St. SE, Albuquerque, NM 87117. Burial will follow at Santa Fe National Cemetery at 12:45 p.m. with full military honors. In lieu of flowers the family requests a donation be made to the Air Force Aid Society in Bill's honor.