Charles McCarthy

Chuck was born to Clarence and Beatrice McCarthy, April 17, 1934 in Olympia, Washington. He graduated from St. Edwards High School. Afterwards, Chuck attended St. Edwards Seminary to study for the priesthood until he became ill with rheumatic fever just before his last year of study. Following his doctor’s recommendation, he took a year off, intending to return to complete his studies to become a priest. However, during that year he met his future wife, Teresa Marie Gallagher, and realized that the Lord might have other plans in store for him. Chuck and Terri were married on July 9, 1960, after which they had six children. During their 60 years of marriage, they lived together in Tacoma, Olympia, and Tumwater, Washington.

Later, Chuck received a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Prometheus College and, later, a doctorate in Psychology from Gonzaga University.

Chuck loved counseling and helping others. He began his career as a juvenile counselor at Capital Forest Youth Camp near Mount Rainier. Next, he worked as a probation officer at Remann Hall Juvenile Center in Pierce County, while also working weekends at Sears in the Tire Service Department. In 1979, Chuck left his Pierce County work to begin a vocational home in Centralia for youth ages 10-17, for which he served as a counselor and the director there until the mid-1990s. Later, Chuck worked for Child Protective Services in Queets, Washington. Chuck’s journey of service was completed when he began counseling and overseeing the Stephen Ministry at Sacred Heart Church. While Chuck was at Sacred Heart, the current priest retired. Prior to their next priest’s arrival over a year later, Chuck would arrange for (and often pick up and drive back) retired priests to preside over mass. During that time, and because of his near calling as a priest himself, Sacred Heart staff (and friends) often referred to him kiddingly as “Father Chuck”.

Chuck was a member of The Knights of Columbus and Elks Club. Chuck had a passion for woodwork, construction, outdoor projects, traveling, and social interactions with friends and family.

Chuck was a very giving, caring, loving, and spiritual person. He never missed mass, whether at home or on vacation. He made many contributions to numerous charities that focused on helping the underprivileged. He was a great listener. He made new friends wherever he went. In his later years as a counselor, Chuck would help many people in crisis and support them through their challenges. He would meet them almost anywhere including a McDonald’s restaurant lobby and take their calls no matter what the time, day or night.

Chuck and Terri loved vacationing with their family. When their children were younger, they enjoyed taking them camping at Millersylvania State Park and Columbus Park. As their children became adults, Chuck and Terri vacationed yearly with their family (and, in later years, with the grandchildren as well) at the Oregon Coast. During their retirement years, Chuck and Terri also traveled to Ireland, England, and Alaska.

Chuck enjoyed celebrating birthdays, especially his own. As he approached his 70s, he decided to not get any older by giving his birthdays away. Chuck would then choose a family member to whom he would give presents and cake on his own birthday.

Chuck was preceded in death during 2020 by his daughter, Kathy Jenks, in January; and then by his wife, Teresa McCarthy, in late July. Chuck and Terri leave as their legacy 5 remaining children: Barb (Mark), Kelly (John), Patty (Darrell), Steve, Dan (Heather) and Kathy’s husband (and Chuck and Terri’s son-in-law), Tom; 15 grandchildren (Kayla, Kendra, Scott (Kimmy), Kristina (Tyler), Shauna, Melanie, Jonny, Katy (Ryan), Kyle, Jordan, Derek, Chase, Joel, Haley, Gavin); and 6 great grandchildren (Luke, Hudson, Ryett, Tyson, Dakota, and Isabelle). Chuck is survived by his brother, John (Judy) McCarthy, and his sister, Kathy Ryan. His brothers, Pat McCarthy and Jim McCarthy; his sister Maureen Freitas; and his parents, Clarence and Beatrice McCarthy, also preceded him in death.

A Catholic Mass is scheduled for Friday, December 11, at 12:00 pm at St. Michael Church, with a graveside service to follow at Mills and Mills Funeral Home & Memorial Park in Tumwater. Due to current COVID restrictions, only Chuck’s immediate family will be able to attend both. The family requests that donations in Chuck’s memory be made to St. Vincent de Paul Society at St. Michael Church in Olympia.