March 3, 1933 – September 3, 2025
William J. McCarthy, a resident of Reading for 58 years, formerly of Somerville, passed away on September 3, 2025, at the Sawtelle Hospice House in Reading. He was 92 years of age. William was born in Somerville, Massachusetts, on March 3, 1933, the son of the late Joseph and Mabel (Kurth) McCarthy.
Bill grew up in Somerville and graduated from Somerville High School class of 1951. Shortly after graduating high school Bill enlisted in the United States Air Force and proudly served his country during the Korean War. He was awarded the National Defense Medal and Good Conduct Medal and was Honorably discharged with the rank of Airman First Class. After his discharge from the Air Force, he attended and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree from Suffolk University and then received a Master’s degree in Education from Boston University.
Bill became an educator and taught at Somerville High School from 1961 to 1994. He taught economics, history and math. From 1971 until 1988 he served as the President of the Somerville Teachers Credit Union.
In 1952 he ran the Boston Marathon in 4 hours and 8 minutes finishing 45th. He enjoyed jogging for many years afterwards. Bill was an avid Red Sox and Patriots fan who enjoyed talking sports.
Bill was the beloved husband of the late Julia T. (Hurley) McCarthy. Devoted father of Maria T. McCarthy of Ludlow and Paul W. McCarthy of Reading. Loving uncle of Freeman P. Dicks of Salem and the cherished brother of the late Ruth M Dicks.
Bill’s Funeral will be held from the Douglass, Edgerley and Bessom Funeral Home 25 Sanborn St. (corner of Woburn St.) Reading on Tuesday September 9, 2025, at 9:30am followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Agnes Church 186 Woburn St. Reading at 10:30am. Burial with military honors will follow at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Reading. Funeral home visiting hours Monday September 8, 2025, from 4pm-7pm.
