Joseph A. McCarthy
OBITUARY
Joseph “Joe” McCarthy, a longtime resident of Cupertino and later San Jose, California, passed away peacefully on April 18, 2026.
Born in San Jose and raised in Saratoga, California, Joe was the oldest of ten children of Leonard and Janet McCarthy. He attended Sacred Heart Elementary School and graduated from Bellarmine College Preparatory before continuing his education at Santa Clara University, where he earned both his bachelor’s degree and MBA. While at Santa Clara, Joe was a proud member of the university’s men’s tennis team.
Joe began his work career at his father’s grading and paving company McCarthy and Spiesman, working up from laborer, to truck driver, to estimator, and eventually to Vice President of the company. He later dedicated many years of service to the City of San Jose, where he worked as a public works inspector.
Being the oldest of ten, Joe became both ringleader and mentor, getting his siblings into sports and showing them the ropes of hard work–from shoveling and jackhammering to driving trucks and helping with office operations.
A devoted sports fan, Joe rarely missed a chance to cheer on his beloved Santa Clara Broncos, as well as his favorite Bay Area teams, including the San Francisco Giants, 49ers, and Warriors. Known for his sense of humor, Joe brought laughter to those around him. Above all else, he was deeply devoted to his family.
Joe met his wife, Sue, and in 1977 they were married, beginning a life together centered on family, love, and laughter. Together, they raised two children and shared many wonderful memories.
He is survived by his children, Elizabeth (David) Clegg and Michael (Angelica) McCarthy; his cherished grandchildren, Matthew and Sarah Clegg, and Archie and Sully McCarthy; his siblings, Deel, Tim (Cynthia Porter), Maureen (Pat) Donohoe, Phil (Paula), Rosemary (Eric Purviance), Ted (Gina); and his sisters-in-law, Zoe Cordova-McCarthy and Maria Simeone-McCarthy, along with many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
Joe was preceded in death by his beloved wife; his parents, Leonard and Janet McCarthy; his brothers, Pat, Mark, and Tom; and his niece, Madison.
A celebration of Joe’s life will be held at a later date, with details to follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Santa Clara University in support of the Joe McCarthy Endowed Scholarship Fund for Men’s Tennis at:
https://www.givecampus.com/campaigns/79780/
donations/new or Hearts & Minds Activity Center:
https://heartsandmindsactivitycenter.org/
or to a charity of your choice in his memory.
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