Gerald McCarthy

McCarthy, Gerald James - 89 of Dartmouth passed away October 20, 2016 in the Halifax infirmary Hospital, QEII. He was born in Halifax to James William and Priscilla (Tucker) McCarthy. He attended the Halifax Academy but graduated from Queen Elizabeth High School in it's opening year and became a member of the organizing committee for the QEH 50th year reunion a half century later. After obtaining his Masters Degree from Dalhousie University, Gerald taught and was vice-principal at Joe Howe Junior High School for six years before moving to Richmond Junior High to teach, be vice-principal, coach boys basketball and girls volleyball, write plays and direct the students for their performances of them and become a source of assistance and encouragement such that he was a central figure in the school's 50th, 55th and 60th reunions. Gerald had married his high school sweetheart, Pat Hutchinson, in 1949 and, during the Richmond Years, they moved their young family to Dartmouth in 1959. The following year G.J. McCarthy became the first principal of Prince Andrew High School. The PAHS 50th reunion was called "The McCarthy Years"; 1960 - 1965. Many of his students from all three schools kept in touch through the years, with the numbers increasing after each reunion, up to and including this past summer of 2016. Gerald became Assistant Superintendent of schools in Dartmouth and then Superintendent before becoming the Assistant to the Deputy minister and then Deputy Minister of Education for the province of Nova Scotia. He retired as Chairman of the Nova Scotia Higher Education Committee. Second to his families, Gerald was always interested in learning and contributing. He was sucunded from Dartmouth City Schools to be a member of the Graham Commission. He was a first and long-time judge on Reach For The Top. He was a member of Dartmouth Rotary, a very active member of the Nova Scotia Teachers' Union in which he remained an Honourary member for life and President of the Dartmouth YMYWCA. Gerald had his own radio show; taught a course at St. Mary's University in the MBA program; was involved in the beginnings of Distance Education; taught Sunday School,was a Deacon and Lay Preacher at Woodlawn United Church and participated in several charitable organizations including leading local chapters in fundraising drives. This is a small list of Gerald's activities throughout his career. Always known for his knowledge of all things History and English, his positive attitude, loyalty, sense of equality and fairness, reliability and willingness to help if he could - Gerald was well known and won awards for his speeches which he had been asked to make all over the world. As a member of the Canadian Education Association and U.N.E.S.C.O. Education, Gerald traveled extensively throughout North America, Europe and Asia. Fortunately Pat was able to go with her husband on some of these trips, giving them an expensive but worthwhile extra bonus to their always strong and loving relationship. During the last few years of his working career Gerald and Pat vacationed in Florida at the Southgate Mobile Home Park where they eventually bought a home to which they drove every year in fall and winter until a few years before Pat's death. Both were active in the social activities there, while Gerald was on the board and editor of Southgate's news paper. Many people have lost a good friend. Gerald was predeceased by his wife, Pat (Hutchinson), sister Jessie (Russ) James; brother Raymond (Florence) McCarthy; sister Jean (San) Scott; Sisters-in-law Margaret Hutchinson, Kathleen (Malcolm) Harlow; brothers-in-law Ed Hutchinson, Gerry (Joyce) Hutchinson. Gerald is survived by daughter Nancy, Son Michael; sister Vera (Charles, deceased) Stone; Maxine (Ed's wife) Hutchinson; brother-in-law Murray (Marina) Hutchinson; Sister-in-law Marilyn (David, deceased) King as well as cousins, nieces and nephews. Visitation will be 2-4 and 7-9 on Thursday, October 27, and Friday October 28, in A. L. Mattatall Funeral Home, Portland Street. A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 pm at Prince Andrew High School in Dartmouth October 29, 2016 to be followed by a reception. No flowers by request; if you wish to make a donation please do so to a charity of your choice. To leave online condolences, please go to www.mattatallfuneralhome.com.

The family would like to thank Dr. Green, Dr. Hu and the nurses, doctors, students and staff for their care of Gerald for two weeks in 7.4, The Halifax Infirmary in addition to. family members and friends for their support at this difficult time. We have lost a very dear and extraordinary family member.