VIRGINIA BEACH- Michael Joseph McCarthy III, 88, passed away August 8, 2012. Born October 4, 1923 he was the son of the late Annie Brewer and Michael Joseph McCarthy, Jr. He is preceded in death by his loving wife, Bernice Lee Braswell McCarthy; son, William “Jody” McCarthy; brother, Eugene McCarthy. Mike joined the US Army in 1942. He was stationed in Italy with the 88th Division and participated in the battle for Rome. Part of the 351st infantry regiment of the Fifth Army, he marched and fought almost continuously for more than five month. In addition to being the division’s first regiment to enter combat, the 351st was its first regiment to arrive overseas, first to arrive in Italy, first to earn a Distinguished Service Cross and the first to receive a battlefield promotion. Mike was reported missing in action in Italy on October 3, 1944. His parents received a Western Union telegram on November 16, 1944, stating that the Red Cross had reported him as being a prisoner of war in Germany. After being held as a POW for eight months, he escaped on April 28. He was picked up by a vehicle heading to Nantes, France and soon after the Germans surrendered. After retiring from active service in 1945, Mike joined the Army Reserves and served faithfully until 1983 and retired as a Command Sergeant Major. Mike loved playing golf with his family and friends. He especially enjoyed a round with his friend and neighbor “Scotty” Matthews. Afterwards the winner was treated to a cold beer and lunch. He also served as Marshall at the Kempsville Greens Golf Club for many years. Traveling with his wife Bernice (Mamma) was a passion and as the grandchildren grew older, every summer he (Papa) and Bernice would take one of them on an adventure to Hershey Park, Disney World, Cabbage Patch Museum, camping and the beach. Karaoke at the Norfolk Moose Club on Friday nights and dances on Saturday nights at the VFW or Moose Club became the highlights of his week. He loved to sing Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin songs from the 40’s but would occasionally be talked in to going country.

He is survived by his daughter, Sharon L. McCarthy Crofton and her husband, Jay of Virginia Beach, VA; son, Michael “Mickey” C. McCarthy and his wife, Betsy of Kill Devil Hills, NC; granddaughters, Carrie Crofton Wikoff and her husband, Mike of Littleton, CO, Casey Crofton Severinghaus and husband Greg of Glen Allen, VA, Lydia McCarthy of Richmond, VA; grandson, Sean Scott Crofton of Piscataway, NJ; great-grandchildren, Jake Belanger, Brooke Wikoff, Remi Wikoff, Levi Wikoff, Gauge McCarthy Valentine and Molly Severinghaus. : In addition, Mike leaves behind Joy Vick, his companion, dance partner and love of ten years. He also leaves behind Shirley Dantoni, a dear friend who was great company and a tremendous comfort to him in the last few years of his amazing life.

A graveside service will be held Tuesday at 10 am at Forest Lawn Cemetery, 8100 Granby Street, Norfolk. The family will receive friends at Family Choice Funerals and Creamtions, 5401 Indian River Road, Virginia Beach on Monday from 6 to 8pm. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. A special thanks to all of the kind nurses, doctors and caregivers who took such good care of him these last few years. Please use the links provided to sign the online guestbook.