Obituary of Daniel J. McCarthy

EAST HERKIMER – Danny, who just celebrated his 50th birthday in June, passed away unexpectedly on Friday August 4, 2017. Danny was born in Herkimer in 1967 and was the son of the late Edmund A. McCarthy, Jr. and Sandra A. Kast McCarthy. He grew up in East Herkimer and graduated from Herkimer High School. He was a graduate of the State University of New York Institute of Technology at Utica-Rome receiving his Bachelor of Science Degree in December of 1991. His days in East Herkimer were filled with fun, friends and laughter. Danny was an Eagle Scout, a high school track star, a Volunteer Firefighter at East Herkimer Fire Department, loved to draw and loved his Irish heritage. Danny also loved to spend time at Piseco Lake at the camp his family owned since 1937. This is where he learned to swim, water ski and was a lifeguard at the campgrounds. He loved Elvis, corvettes and music, particularly his wonderful time spent with the West Canada Community Chorus.

Danny was so proud of his children Austin and Hannah when he was cheering for them during their soccer and lacrosse games, when they became members of the National Junior Honor Society, during their concerts at school and when they brought home their incredible report cards. Danny shared a lot of laughs with Austin and Hannah especially when they were together at camp during game nights and especially the cribbage tournaments.

Danny struggled over the years with health issues, but fought a courageous fight even after enduring four brain surgeries. His determination, courage and love of his family got him through some very tough times, but through it all he made people laugh and he kept moving along.

Danny is survived by his beloved children, Austin and Hannah McCarthy of Deerfield, NY, and the twins mother Tammy Bowen McCarthy, his favorite sister and brother-in-law, Deirdre and John Polak of Marcy, NY and his brother and sister-in-law, Dean and Tara McCarthy of Little Falls. He is also survived by his Aunt Janet Thrower of Tennessee and Aunt Cheryl Kast of East Herkimer and Step-Mother Joyce McCarthy of Ilion along with several cousins and friends. He is predeceased by his grandparents, LeRoy and Esther Kast and the Honorable Edmund and Mary McCarthy and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Danny, you will be missed by us all, but knowing that you are now at peace with your parents and grandparents makes us do the Irish Gig.

Funeral services have been established with The Enea Family Funeral Home at 220 North Washington Street in Herkimer, NY and we will Celebrate and Commemorate the Life of Daniel James McCarthy at the following times: Calling hours at the funeral home will be on Wednesday August 9, 2017 from 4 until 7 PM. His fellow Firefighters of the East Herkimer Fire Department are asked to gather in a body at the funeral home on Wednesday evening at 6PM. His funeral service will begin on Thursday morning August 10, 2017 at 9:30 AM at the funeral home with Deacon James Bower officiating. Interment at the McCarthy family plot, Higgins Bay Cemetery in Piseco (Town of Arietta) will take place at the conclusion of the services on Thursday.

Those wishing are asked in lieu of floral offerings to consider a donation to the East Herkimer Fire Department, 193 Main Road Herkimer, NY 13350. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home for this purpose. Arrangements are being handled by Funeral Directors Harry & Kevin Enea and Martin Ciaccia (315) 866-1011. Online condolences may be extended by visiting www.eneafamily.com on the Internet.