Obituary of Robert E. McCarthy

Retired Educator Robert Edward McCarthy Sr., surrounded by his wife and sons, entered peacefully into eternal rest on June 29, 2008 in South Lake Tahoe, CA. He was 69 years old. Born in Derby, CT, on October 27, 1938, he was the son of the late Judge Leon E. McCarthy and Mildred Healy McCarthy. He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 48 years, Marilyn Ehlers McCarthy a life long resident of Trumbull; his loving son Robert and daughter in law Jillian with grandchildren Kelsey and Robbie of North Haven; his loving son Richard and daughter in law Joelle with granddaughters Elizabeth and Lauren of Arlington, VA. Robert was predeceased by his sister Louise Connors and is survived by his brother Fred and his sister in law Karen of Seymour and his sister Mildred Klein and brother in law Sheldon of Ansonia as well as several nieces and nephews. Robert was also a friend of Bill W. for 32 years. Since his retirement from Trumbull High School in 2000, he split his time between Trumbull, CT, and Fernandina Beach, FL. Robert attended both Assumption Elementary and Ansonia High Schools in Ansonia CT. He then went on to achieve his BA in Business Administration at Fairfield University, his MA in Elementary Education at the University of Bridgeport and his Sixth Year certificate in Secondary Education at Fairfield University. He taught at Ansonia High School and Mead Elementary School in Ansonia before moving to Trumbull in 1964. There he taught in Nichols Elementary School. In 1967, Robert was named Assistant Principal and opened Hillcrest Junior High School. After spending three years there, he was named the youngest principal of the state when he was selected as the head of Middlebrook Junior High School which later became Madison Junior School. He served as its Head for 18 years. His last position was Principal of Trumbull High School. In 2000, after 15 years there and 39 years in education, he retired from his illustrious career. During his many years in the Trumbull School district, Robert touched the lives of thousands of people. One of his most valued achievements was the special relationship that he had with all of the students as they passed through his schools. He was a strong advocate for the students including; raising the level of support for the girls sports teams through increased recognition and personal support; and fighting the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference for the rights for a special needs student to be a part of the swim team in the individuals final season. Robert was involved in many professional forums. He served for two years as president of the FCIAC and was a member of the National Association of Secondary Schools Principals, the Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development, the Bridgeport Retired Teachers Association, and was an honorary life member of the Connecticut State PTSA. In support of his students and their families, he was instrumental in founding the Familys Anonymous group which is still active today. Outside of his career in education, Robert studied Martial Arts earning his Brown Belt in Kyokushinkai. He and his family were avid boaters and Robert enjoyed being on the water for more than 50 years. He was a member of the Milford Yacht Club and U.S. Power Squadron. Lastly, in his eternal rest, Robert has rejoined his favorite companions, Mac and Brannigan, his Golden Retrievers. Funeral Information Funeral services will take place on Monday, July 7, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. in the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Road, Trumbull and at 11:00 a.m. in St. Theresa Church, 5301 Main St., Trumbull, for a Mass of Christian Burial. Friends may call on Sunday from 2-6 p.m. and on Monday morning from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Donations Information In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 5 Brookside Drive, Wallingford, CT 06492 or Trumbull High School, Robert E. McCarthy Scholarship Fund, 72 Strobel Rd., Trumbull CT. 06611.