I did not see any post for this yet on Fred's. I was stationed with LCDR McCarthy at Air Station Brooklyn from 1995-1998. He was the Engineering Officer when we closed the unit's doors for good. He was truly a great Man and he will be missed.
BRIAN J. McCARTHY, 53, of LOCH ARBOUR, was taken all too soon from us on Friday, Jan. 11, doing what he loved most, surfing in Loch Arbour. Born in Jersey City and raised in Interlaken, he was a graduate of St. Rose High School, Belmar and Providence College, Rhode Island. Upon graduation from college, he entered the Marine Corps where he trained as a pilot. He graduated from flight school in Pensacola, Fla. After serving honorably in the Marine Corps, he entered the US Coast Guard as a helicopter pilot, flying search and rescue missions. Not many people could say that they flew every mile of coastline in the lower 48, but Brian could. He retired as a Lieutenant Commander from the Coast Guard in February of 2000. He most recently was employed as a corporate helicopter pilot. Brian was a respected, valued, and loved member of his community. While living in Loch Arbour, Brian served the community as a member of the Planning Board and also served on the Loch Arbour 50th Anniversary Committee. He was also active in local organizations and environmental groups. In September of 2007, Brian organized the Loch Arbour clean up of Deal Lake. While enjoying life, Brian could often be found at the beach in Loch Arbour, fishing, kayaking or surfing with friends and family, walking Riley around the streets of town, or surrounded by family and friends at his home. Brian traveled while in the military and recently enjoyed a trip with family to Ireland in 2005. He was an avid runner who completed a number of marathons. Brian was a long time Yankees and Giants fan. Brian was the personification of honesty and integrity. Brian was a loving husband, dedicated father, loyal son and brother, and great friend. He will be remembered as such.
Brian was predeceased by his wife, Kate Fickes; and his father, James McCarthy. He is survived by his three sons, Matthew, Kevin, and Mark McCarthy; and his daughter, Amy Suttle, all at home. Also surviving are his mother, Lorraine McCarthy of Interlaken; his sister, Deirdre Leonard and her husband, Andrew of West Allenhurst; and his sister, Noreen Tarriff and her husband, Michael of Shark River Hills, Neptune Township.
Visiting hours will be from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at the Buckley Funeral Home, 509 Second Ave., Asbury Park. A Mass will be offered at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Holy Spirit Church, Second Avenue, Asbury Park. Internment will be at St. Anne's Cemetery in Glendola. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society.
This has been a bad month for retired CG aviators. I was stationed with Brian at Corpus from 86-89, he was one of the best. I will always remember his Marine Core Motto "Train like you fight and fight like you train.
