Obituary of Al McCarthy

Al (John Aloysius) McCarthy

October 17, 1937 - May 26, 2025

It is with broken hearts that the family of Al McCarthy of Highlands, announce his sudden passing on May 26, 2025, aged 87 years. He leaves to mourn his loving wife of 63 cherished years, Georgina (Hibbs),  his six daughters who were his pride and joy: Aline, Corrina (Neil Dawe), Roxanne (Ralph Osmond), Angeline (James Symington), Lynnette (Adam Woodrow), and Janine (David Legge). His legacy will live on forever in the hearts of his grandchildren - Kyle, Sarah, Christopher, Amanda, Liam, Natalya, Matthew and Andrew - and his great grandchildren, Jack and Olivia. He will be deeply missed by his beloved baby sister, Maureen (Willie Alley), and a wide circle of friends and family.

He was predeceased by his parents, Angela and Robert McCarthy of Woods Island, his adored older brother Jim, and his sisters who loved him beyond imagination - Marie, Margaret, Agnes, Pauline, Doreen, Kathleen and Cassie.

Al was born on Woods Island, and it was there that his love for family and the sea began. Growing up surrounded by a family of mariners and merchants, he was destined for a life in the fishery - one that would see him champion the evolution of our province’s fishery over decades. In the 1970s, he played an instrumental role in helping to establish the Fisherman’s Union, and for many years worked to share his knowledge and expertise, push for continued learning about professional, sustainable practices, and advocate for the respect and dignity of fish harvesters everywhere.

From his beginnings in a 16-foot open boat catching lobster, he went on to achieve his Mate and Master’s tickets and built a successful enterprise of his own. Throughout the seasons, you could see Al steaming into Crabbes River, Bonne Bay, and so many other harbours, in the MV Corrina Maria. Wherever he went, he was a friend to all and widely respected by anyone who had the honour of knowing him. 

Al had the strength of the sea that he loved, and that ran through his veins. As a proud member of the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary, he showed selfless bravery time and again. Many are alive today because he took action.

After retiring his own enterprise at the young age of 75, Al continued to give back to the fishing community - and the community at large - as President of the Harbour Authority for Bay St. George South, where he worked to protect the harbours that he helped develop.

His passion for the sea defined him but it was his family that he lived for and loved beyond measure. His pride for his six daughters, sons-in-law, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, was unwavering. And he had a lifetime commitment to the one woman he loved above all, Georgina.

He taught his children that anything is possible with hard work, respect, humility, kindness, and the powerful love of a family that never leaves you. His smile lit a room, his wit was smart and quick, his musical talent was boundless, his storytelling was captivating, and his looks - Hollywood. Al was gracious and humble, an inspiration, and a true gentleman. He will be greatly missed and forever remembered. 

Visitation will be held at St. Columcille Roman Catholic church, St. Fintan’s on Thursday, May 29^th  6-9 P.M, and Friday, May 30^th  2-4 P.M. and 6-9 P.M. from where the Funeral mass  will be held on Saturday, May 31^st  at 10:30 A.M. with Father George and Father Maurice O’Quinn officiating. Private internment to follow for family.

As expressions of sympathy flowers are graciously accepted or donations in Al’s memory may be made to Easter Seals NL or to  the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Fillatre’s Funeral Home, 37 West Street, Stephenville Crossing.