KINGSTON, Pa.—John D. “Jack” McCarthy, 79, CEO of McCarthy Tire & Service, died Jan. 27 at Wilkes-Barre General Hospital after a short illness.
Mr. McCarthy began working in the family business, McCarthy Tire Service, at the age of 12, and rose from oil-bottle cleaner to gas pumper to salesman and eventually president.
In his later years, he assumed the title of CEO as he turned the business over to his children, including John D. McCarthy Jr., who is now the dealership's president.
During the elder Mr. McCarthy's tenure, the dealership grew to become the sixth largest commercial tire dealer in North America, with 44 locations in seven states and nearly 1,000 employees.
Besides his commitment to the business, Mr. McCarthy also had a strong commitment to his community, including serving as chairman of the board of Wilkes-Barre General Hospital for 26 years. He also was chairman of the board of the Wilkes-Barre Housing Authority for 12 years and served on numerous boards, including Pennsylvania American Water, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, United Penn Bank, Continental Bank, Little Flower Manor and the Diocesan Finance Council.
Among his many accolades, Mr. McCarthy was named Citizen of the Year by the Wilkes-Barre Lions Club, Man of the Year by the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, and Small Businessman of the Year by the Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Commerce. He also was the recipient of the Crystal Rose Award from Little Flower Manor. Numerous other organizations also have honored him for his contributions to the community.
Mr. McCarthy is survived by his wife of 56 years, Cecilia “CeCe”; son John (Lynn); daughters Mary Ellen (Neil) Horn and Kathleen (Gary) Lambert; numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren; and brother Joseph.