William L McCarthy

William (Bill) L. McCarthy Jr., age 79 of Gahanna, Ohio, peacefully passed away on January 23, 2024. He was born on March 29, 1944 in Columbus, Ohio. Bill was preceded in his passing by his father William L. McCarthy, Sr., and his mother Alma L. McCarthy (née Sheehan).

Bill lived a full and eventful life and enjoyed reading, fishing, horseback riding, skiing, woodworking and boatbuilding, traveling and sightseeing, good food, and the company of family and friends. He grew up in Columbus’ German Village when it was still a cultural hub for German and Irish immigrants. After finishing high school, he served in the US Army before completing an apprenticeship and beginning his career as an electrician. He was a proud member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union 683 throughout his career. As an adventurous young man, Bill rode his motorcycle from Ohio to tour Central and South America. He also traveled to Ireland to connect with his Irish heritage, which was an important part of his identity. Bill had a deep-rooted love of the American West, a place that he was able to travel to many times and one which he frequently reminisced about even into his later years.

In 1978 he married Debra Bronkar and settled into family life as a devoted husband and loving father. He was extremely handy and could fix almost anything and took great pride in maintaining the family home and vehicles. Bill was a devout Catholic and took great comfort from his faith throughout his life.

Bill is survived by his loving wife Debra; their three children, Christy, Michael, and Dan; their five grandchildren, Kaylie, Madison, Allison, Ethan, and Finn; and his sister Ruth.

Friends may gather at Schoedinger Northeast Funeral Home, 1051 E. Johnstown Road on Tuesday, January 30th from 9:30AM to 10:30AM. The funeral service mass will take place the same day following the visitation at St. Matthew the Apostle Catholic Church, 807 Havens Corners Road, beginning at 11AM. Following the mass, William will be buried at St. Joseph Cemetery, 6440 South High Street, Lockbourne, Ohio.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in William’s honor to Ohio’s Hospice of Central Ohio at www.ohioshospice.org/give .