Edward Desmond McCarthy

Edward Desmond McCarthy, an oil and gas executive passed away peacefully on December 8, 2023, at the age of 94. Mr. McCarthy was born on February 6, 1929, in South Bend, Indiana and resided in New Orleans for over 65 years.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 67 years, Mary Adlyn McMahon McCarthy and four children; Edward Michael (Setsuko) of Tokayama, Japan, Maureen Spencer (Robert) of New Orleans; Kathleen Schneider (Roger) of New Albany, Ohio and Erin Beech (Scott)of Metairie, LA, and eight grandchildren: Mary Alison, Grayson and Kathryn Spencer, Evan and Avery Schneider, Miles and Nate Beech and Megan McCarthy; great grandson Whit Lemmond; and his sister Theresa Slais of St. Louis, MO, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.

Mr. McCarthy graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1950. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving during the Korean War. Following his military discharge, he moved to West Texas to work for Magnolia Petroleum Co., a subsidiary of Mobil Oil. He continued working with Magnolia with stints in Dallas, New Orleans, and Shreveport. In 1957 he joined Mississippi River Fuel Corp. as a landman and later was employed by Louisiana Land and Exploration Co. where he served as a Vice President and Manager of its Land Department responsible for overseeing its vast land holdings in South Louisiana. In 1971 he was promoted to Senior Vice President – International and served in that capacity until his retirement in 1982. He joined the Estate of William Helis that same year and later worked as an independent oil and gas consultant for several years. He completed his career in the oil business as a Vice President for Miami Corporation, a privately held company, and managed its land holdings in southwest Louisiana.

He was active in oil industry affairs having served as a member and former president of the New Orleans Association of Professional Landmen, member and former Director of the American Association of Professional Landmen, a member of the Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association, Independent Petroleum Association of America, and served on the Exploration Committee of the American Petroleum Insititute.

He was a Trustee of the Board of Trustees at Childrens Hospital for many years, as well as a volunteer for the Archbishops Community Appeal, United Way, and several other charities. He also attended retreats at Manresa for more than 60 years.

He was a member of Metairie Country Club, the Cactus Club, a former member of the Pickwick Club and the Petroleum Club of New Orleans.

Kind, compassionate and caring are words that best describe Edward. He understood and recognized what was most important in living a meaningful, happy life: a strong faith in God, and being a devoted and loving husband, father and friend. Edward was an accomplished storyteller, avid reader, and traveled the world extensively throughout his life. Simply stated, Edward was a gentle, good man who was loved by many and will be greatly missed.

The family would like to thank Dr. Alan Yagar for his care and attention as well as to his staff, Arleane Flato and Sabrina Green; the staff of Lambeth House Assisted Living, in particular Joni Brasseaux, Tamika Ray, Terry Nelson, Diane Williams and the many wonderful aides for the loving care they provided Mr. McCarthy. In addition, the family also thanks Jennifer Sanchez of Notre Dame Home Health for her care that spanned many years.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home on Wednesday, December 27th. Visitation will be held from 10:00-11:00 am with Mass and reception following at 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Bridge House Grace House, Ozanam Inn and Academy of the Sacred Heart in New Orleans.