Necrology

David Francis McCarthy '72

Apr. 8, 1950-May. 9, 2020

David Francis McCarthy ’72 is remembered by his family for his love, unique spirit, and humor — and for his skill as a litigator.

In a published obituary they spoke of his honesty, generosity, and social nature. He built and ­maintained friendships in all aspects of his life, from his high school days to his in-laws and neighbors alike. “Oh, we had some fun. He may not have been perfect to everybody, but he was perfect to us,” the obituary noted.

McCarthy, of Binghamton, N.Y., died on May 9, 2020, at the age of 69.

Born on April 8, 1950, in Boston, McCarthy grew up in Dedham, Mass., and graduated from The Roxbury Latin School. At Hamilton he played lacrosse and was a member of Alpha Delta Phi fraternity.

His senior year, he met and fell in love with a Kirkland student who would become his wife — Carol Kennedy K’75. McCarthy had a number of other Hamilton family ties: cousin Margaret Love Mackey ’83, brothers-in-law Kevin Kennedy ’66 and Charles Kennedy ’62, and father-in-law Charles Kennedy ’35.

After graduating from Boston College Law School at age 36, he established a career in Binghamton, N.Y., where he worked for 30 years at Leven, Gouldin & Thompson as a litigation attorney. Outside his career, McCarthy coached the mock trial teams for Binghamton High School and Seton Catholic Central High School. He also coached for the Two Rivers Soccer Club, taking what the obituary called “a creative approach.” “They will remember his sense of humor,” it stated.

McCarthy’s interests and activities were eclectic. He was, his obituary said, “a bartender extraordinaire” at the Ancient Order of Hibernians. A collector of push lawn mowers, he was known as the daily runner who wore white gloves; he’d completed three marathons. He was also known for requesting the song Eurotrash Girl and “chest-bumping anyone in proximity.”

“Dave was honest and he was a gentleman. He was generous. He was devilish. His mind worked in unusual ways,” his family said in the obituary.

Survivors include his wife, three daughters, grandchildren, and sisters.

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