Robert J. McCarthy

Robert J. McCarthy, 83, lifelong Indianapolis resident and retired firefighter, passed away November 19, 2020. Mr. McCarthy was born April 13, 1937, to the late Charles Francis and Loretta (Derleth) McCarthy. He married Sally A. Crawford on May 4, 1963 and she survives.

Bob graduated from Cathedral High School in 1955 and proudly served in the United States Army. Bob served on the Indianapolis Fire Department for 20 years, retiring in 1984. He then worked for the Indiana State Fire Marshall’s Office as an inspector and retired in 2000. Bob was a member of St. Jude Catholic Church, the Msgr. Downey Knights of Columbus Council #3660 and a 4th Degree member of the Bishop Chatard Assembly. He enjoyed his retirement years surrounded by many good friends through the K of C. Bob will be fondly remembered by his loving family and many friends.

In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his brother, David McCarthy.

Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Sally; children, Timothy (Melinda) McCarthy, Michael (Kathy) McCarthy, Christopher (Jane) McCarthy, Kathleen (Michael) Haberthy; sister, Joan Armbruster; grandchildren, Keegan, Shannon, Sean, Addison, Morgen, Kevin, and Meghan.

Friends and family will gather Tuesday, November 24, 2020, 4 to 7 p.m., at the O’Riley Funeral Home, 6107 S. East St. The Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10 a.m., Wednesday, November 25, 2020, in St. Jude Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery. Those attending will be required to wear masks at all times and respectfully practice physical distancing. The funeral home is limited to 50 people at any one time presently, and as a result, the family requests that visits remain brief. The Mass will be livestreamed on the O’Riley Facebook page, by visiting https://www.facebook.com/orileyfuneralhome/. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Catholic Youth Organization or to Power of Children through the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. Visit www.ORileyFuneralHome.com to share a favorite memory or to sign the online guest registry.

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  1. I could tell the few times I was around Bob he seemed to me to be a good man with a great sense of humor. Condolences – praying that you be comforted by God’s love.

  2. Bob was so funny and a bright light. He adored his family and visits to Clifty Falls. I am blessed to have known him. Every time I saw him, one of his famous phrases was: “Getting old is not for sissies”. He will truly be missed. Peace and Love to the entire family❤️

  3. To ALL of the McCarthy Family, Please accept our condolences and count on our prayers. Always remembered as a good friend, quick with a smile and a true Knight of Columbus. John and Deb Madden

  4. Sally I was so sorry to hear about “Dancing” Bobs passing. I think of you often and hope you are doing well. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Kathy Fay Bray

  5. Uncle Bob, your humor and genuine love will be greatly missed. Wishing we could be there to honor you in person and grieve with Aunt Sally.

  6. We were very sad to hear of the passing of Bob. He will always be remembered for the good times we shared at St. Catherine and the K of C. Our condolences to his family. Bert and Pat Clausson

  7. Our deepest condolences to Sally, Tim, Mike, Kathleen, Chris, all the grandchildren, and extended family. Bob will surely be missed. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Kevin & Julie Poore & family

  8. Dear Sally and family. We are so sorry to learn of Bob’s passing, the McCarthy and Kasper have a long list of wonderful memories! God bless your family Pat & Mike Kasper


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