John Vincent McCarthy passed away peacefully Thursday morning at the Southwest Montana Veteran's Home surrounded by his three loving children. He was born on April 9, 1942, in Seattle, WA to Mary Murphy and John Vincent McCarthy. John lived in Seattle and started his working career at a very early age selling newspapers on the streets to help support his family. When John turned 8, his family moved to Butte. The McCarthy Family made their home on Center Street, in Centerville. John attended St. Lawrence School and graduated from Butte Central High School in 1960. John was active in football, basketball and earned his nickname "Mucker" on the streets of uptown Butte.

John graduated from Butte Central Catholic High School in 1960 and joined the United States Army. He served his country proudly as a Top-Secret Code Analyst while stationed in Germany through 1963. John returned to Butte to marry the love of his life, Donna Jean McCaul in St. John's Church on November 30 ^th , 1963.

John worked for the Anaconda Company helping dig the Berkley Pit as a shovel operator for several years before going to work at the US Postal Service as a letter carrier. His civil service of 37 years saw John hand deliver mail through the most frigid Montana winters along with beautiful summers. John made many friends and was well known throughout the Butte Community. John also developed his distain for dogs as they chewed on his legs while he walked the streets of Butte.

Hunting, fishing and playing softball for the Deluxe Tavern were a part of his past times until the arrival of his children. John then turned all his energy into being the epitome of a family man. He taught his children how to play cards, baseball/softball, fish and instilled a work ethic to never be outworked by anyone in each of them. John would ensure that frequent visits to his children's grandparents houses were a part of their weekly routine.

With the absence of their grandmother Donna, Papa John prided himself in helping his grandchildren in any way he could. After school treats, driving them to ball practices, attending school events are just a few examples of what he did for them. He never missed any of their games throughout their High School years whether in attendance or watching on TV. He loved to travel and visit his family that lived outside of Butte. He enjoyed fishing the Big Hole Valley even into his later years. M&M pull tabs, an occasional game of Keno at the local Casinos were mixed in with all his family activities.   He always had a quick wit, that was second to none. John remained "tough as nails", even at the bittersweet time of his passing. John developed many lifelong friends over his 80 years in Butte, America and will truly be missed by many.

He was proceeded in death by his loving wife Donna. His daughter Shanee Marie; parents, Mary and Vincent McCarthy; father and mother-in-law Sonny and Rose McCaul; brothers and sister-in-laws Patrick McCarthy, Michael and Janet McCarthy; and his loving baby sister Mary Sullivan; and nephew Patrick McCarthy.

He is survived by his sons, daughter and their families whom will miss him dearly. Sean and Tammy of Tupelo, MS and their children Molly Rose and Evan, Shane and Mikelyn of Butte and their children Kale and McCaul, Heidi and Eddy Stewart of Butte and their children Cole and Brityn; sister and brother-in-law Patty and Wayne Paffhausen; brother-in-law Dan Sullivan; nephews and nieces; Marc Paffhausen, Scott Paffhausen (Cindy), Todd Paffhausen (Amy), Josh Paffhausen (Leigh), Kelly Sullivan, Dan Sullivan (Kriss), Damon Sullivan (Donna), Dawn Marie (Mike) Gornick, Mickey (Beth) McCarthy, Colleen (Miles) Benton. John also leaves behind many cousins, great nieces/nephews, and friends too numerous to mention.

John also found wonderful companionship with a very special friend in Theresa Hubbard and they shared many wonderful memories together.

Words alone cannot describe the impact that John had on his family. Papas don't come any better than Papa John. Thanks for teaching us to "Know when to hold them and to know when to fold them".

The family would like to recognize the incredible care our father received while on his journey. His doctors, Dr. David Chamberlin and Dr. Paul Siddoway of Mercury Street Medical. Nurses Linda and daughter Mikelyn also of Mercury Street Medical. Hospice care led by Sheena Pesanti at Senior Solutions. His hospice nurses Sheila and Abby, special friend/daily care giver Jorden. We also have so much gratitude towards the South-West Montana Veterans Center. From the Administration, nurses, aides, kitchen staff and all the wonderful employees who helped our dad. We also want to recognize his fellow veterans he lived with that provided friendship and comradery to our father.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 11 ^th at 12:30 p.m. at the Immaculate Conception Church. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 1:30 pm. We also ask that you please join us to celebrate Mucker's life following mass at the Knight of Columbus.

In Lieu of Flowers, we ask that donations be made to the Southwest Montana Veteran's Home in remembrance of John McCarthy located at 65 Veterans Circle in Butte, MT 59701.