Francis McCarthy (1928-2025)

Francis X. McCarthy, 97, passed away peacefully at his home in Hershey on Sunday, July 6, 2025. He was born in St. Clair, PA on April 4, 1928, the second son of the late Peter J. and Dorothy (Pfeffer) McCarthy. He graduated from St. Mary's Catholic School and St. Clair High School in 1946. After high school he entered the U.S. Army in 1950. He served his country in Korea during the Korean Conflict. He received a B.S. in Elementary Education as well as a Master's Degree from Kutztown University. He later received his Administrative Certificate from Lehigh University. With over a 30 year career in education, Francis was a 6th grade teacher, supervisor of student teachers at Elizabethtown College, both principal and assistant principal at the Elementary and Intermediate schools and retired as the Director of Staff and Community Relations for Derry Township School District.

Francis was an active member of St. Joan of Arc Parish in Hershey where he served many years as an Extraordinary Minister of the Holy Communion. He also was an active member and past Grand Knight of SJA's Knights of Columbus. He was a long time member of the Hershey Lions Club and received the Melvin Jones Fellow award. He was a life member of PSEA and NEA as well as the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. He especially enjoyed traveling as a member of the Areba Club.

Francis is survived by his loving wife of 65 years Barbara (Hovis); his 2 children, Kevin (Julie) of Leonardtown MD and Karen of Palmyra; two grandchildren, Erin (Ned) and Bryan. Also surviving is his brother Raymond (Jane) of Hamilton Square, NJ and many nieces and nephews.

Recitation of the Rosary will be at 4PM on Sunday, July 13th, followed by a visitation from 4:30-6PM in the Hoover Funeral Home of Hershey. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, July 14 at 11:30 AM at St. Joan of Arc Church in Hershey, celebrated by his pastor, Very Revered Alfred P. Sceski, V.F. Interment in Hershey Cemetery will be private.
The family respectfully request contributions to Heart of the Parish Fund, c/o St. Joan of Arc Church 359 W. Areba Ave., Hershey, PA 17033, in lieu of flowers.