John R. McCarty
John R. McCarty, 72, of McDonald, passed away unexpectedly Sunday, November 12, 2017.
He was born September 13, 1945, in Canonsburg, a son of the late David C. and Blanche Donaldson McCarty.
Mr. McCarty spent 36 years in public and private administration, including senior level positions in both state and federal governments.
He earned his bachelor of administration in public administration from the University of Pittsburgh, graduating Magna Cum Laude, and was awarded the distinguished alumnus award in 1992.
Before attending the university, he served as a 1st lieutenant with the 101st Airborne division of the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. For his service, he was awarded a bronze star and Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry.
Mr. McCarty spent two decades as a professional journalist holding editorial positions at Homestead Daily Messenger, McKeesport Daily News and Executive Report magazine. He also worked as a business writer for Pittsburgh Press. Mr. McCarty made the change into public service as chief of staff for the late Senator John Heinz. He was appointed a U.S. commissioner by George H.W. Bush, and he later served as deputy secretary for general services under PA Governor Tom Ridge. He finished his career as a judge for the PA Board of Claims.
He was the loving husband of Carol Hines McCarty; cherished father of Matt and JP (Jocelyn) McCarty; devoted brother of David McCarty and the late Dee McCarty; and “kiddie’s-pal” to three grandchildren. Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews.
Family will receive friends from 2 to 8 p.m. Thursday in Nation Funeral Home Inc., 220 East Lincoln Avenue, McDonald, PA 15057, where services will be held at 11:45 a.m. Friday, November 17. Interment will follow in National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, Cecil Township.
In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in his memory to Disabled American Veterans Charitable Service, www.dav.org, P.O. Box 14301 Cincinnati, OH 45250.