Richard McCarthy
Norwich — Richard B. McCarthy, 88, of Norwich, passed away May 10, 2023. He was born April 17, 1935, in New London, the son of the late Thomas and Emma (Poyerd) McCarthy.
Moving to Norwich at an early age, he grew up in the Bean Hill section of Norwichtown. He attended local schools and graduated from Norwich Free Academy in 1953. He later graduated from Union College in Barbourville, Ky., with a BS in biology and received his master’s degree from the University of Connecticut. He was united in marriage to the former Elaine Duga on Aug. 16, 1958, in Sacred Heart Church in Taftville.
Mr. McCarthy was a biology teacher at Norwich Free Academy for 34 years, retiring in 1991. In addition, he was the head track coach for many years. In 1976, he was inducted to the Norwich Sports Hall of Fame. He was also active in the Norwich Little League, coaching many of his son’s baseball teams and served administrative roles within the league. Aside from teaching and coaching, he had a great interest in the environment and was a Christmas tree grower in Lebanon. He was a member of the Connecticut Christmas Tree Growers Association and former director of the New London chapter. During the summer months, he enjoyed spending time at his favorite place, the “Cottage” in Belfast, Maine, with family and friends.
Besides his beloved wife Elaine, of nearly 65 years, he is survived by his three sons and their families: James and Judi McCarthy of Old Lyme, Brian McCarthy of West Hartford, and Kevin McCarthy and Kim Hirst of Ledyard; three siblings, Patrick McCarthy of Texas, Nancy Green of Noank, and Mary Ellen Troland of New London.
He was also an adored “Grampy” to his three grandchildren, Ashley and Lily McCarthy of Ledyard, and Collin McCarthy of West Hartford. He was predeceased by a brother, Thomas McCarthy.
Family and friends are to gather at 11 a.m. Thursday, June 8, for a Mass of Christian Burial in Sacred Heart Church, 54 West Town St., Norwichtown. nterment will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Norwich Free Academy Scholarship Fund in memory of Richard B. McCarthy or the charity of your choice.