DENNIS JAMES MCCARTHY
aka Denny, Mac & Papa
At 85+ years of age God reached down and called Dennis up on Feb. 7, 2022 to ease his pain after a valiant fight with cancer, in which he never complained about the pain. Dennis passed quietly at home in Lodi surrounded by his loved ones. He was a friend to everyone and he will be missed by all that knew him.
Born April 12, 1936 to Albert Dennis McCarthy and Dollie Helen McCarthy in Chicago, Illinois, the family moved to So. California when Dennis was 10 years old. They settled in San Gabriel Valley. He was the oldest with four younger sisters, Alice (Russ) Morgan, Bonnie (Joe) Austin, Suzanne (Bud) Thomas and Patricia Smith. He leaves behind numerous nephews and nieces who loved him so.
He lived life to the fullest always trying new things to do and always ready to help anyone in need. As a boy, he raised homing pigeons, a hobby that gave him much pride and joy. He had been a Boy Scout where he learned to hike and camp which he carried thru his life covering every trail in the Sierras and climbing to the top of Mt. Whitney with his friends. He enjoyed fishing, golfing, riding his bike and being with his friends. Dennis was interested in chemistry and rockets. He ran track at Mark Kepple High School. Then he got interested in archery. He made his own bow and arrows with minimum tools from money he earned from his newspaper route and doing chores for the neighbors. He joined a club called “Alhambra Archers” and excelled in the sport. This is where he met a member of the club named Mary Conenna who was to be the love of his life. They were married on June 16, 1956 and enjoyed 65+ years. Together they had two children, Deborah (Jeff) McCarthy-Reed and James Dennis (Paulette) McCarthy. They gave Dennis and Mary 6 grandchildren, three each, Daniel James August, Megan Elizabeth (Warren) AugustMurphy, Robert August, Michael James McCarthy, Zachary John McCarthy and Tyler Dennis McCarthy; two great grandsons, Patrick August and Aydan August. Even though he kept busy with all his hobbies, Papa loved his children, grandchildren and great grandsons and he always found time to spend with them and his wife.
At age 18, Denny spent a summer working at a Lumber Camp in the Redwoods of No. California. After that he worked in construction. Then it was off to college. First, Pasadena City College and then on UCLA and USC. Meanwhile, he worked nights at Douglas Aircraft that got him into the New Rockets Division. He found his niche as an Aerospace Engineer and loved it; spending 35 years in the Aerospace Industry.
He learned to fly and bought his own airplane, which he flew with Mary as his co-pilot on many trips. Then he learned to sail and he and his son Jim spent many a weekend sailing out of Newport Harbor. He learned photography and opened a photography studio and covered many weddings and portraits.
Dennis was a master woodworker and after he retired from the Aerospace Industry, he and Mary opened a business that sold hardwoods, moldings and architectural trims here in Lodi. He created many custom fireplace mantles for many homes in Lodi and the surrounding area. At the same time Dennis was a Walnut farmer in Acampo. He and Mary designed and built their dream home, a large workshop and Grandmother’s cottage on the ranch.
His last hobby was target shooting with Black Powder rifles some he built himself. He was a member of the Folsom Shooting Club, Sacramento Valley Shooting Center and True Sportsman Club in Jackson.
Our heartfelt thanks go out to Hospice of San Joaquin and to all the loving and caring people who took care of Dennis and his family. The family would also like to thank the Lodi firemen who came so quickly whenever called to help. Thank you!!
Please sign the guest book at lodinews.com/guestbook.