After learning his son had been accepted into medical school, William L. McCarthy immediately arranged for a loan to help pay tuition. “He was the kind of dad who’d do anything for his children,” said his oldest son, William Jr., a physician. “He was very supportive and always made sure we got every opportunity in life.” Mr. McCarthy, 87, of Elmwood Park, a retired sales manager, died Monday, April 18, in his home. A Chicago native, Mr. McCarthy grew up in the Austin neighborhood and graduated from St. Ignatius High School. He attended Loras College in Dubuque, where he studied pre-law for two years. “He left college to join the military during World War II, but they turned him down because of a tremor in his right hand,” his son said. After returning to the Chicago area, Mr. McCarthy landed a job in the sales department of American Phenolics Corp., a manufacturer of electrical components. In 1943, he married his wife of 62 years, Mary, with whom he had five sons. After moving to Elmwood Park, Mr. McCarthy began working for Chicago Powered Metal Products in Schiller Park, where he rose to the position of sales manager before retiring at age 62. “He was once offered a vice president position with Ford Motor Co., but turned it down because he didn’t want to move and disrupt his family life,” his son said. In retirement, Mr. McCarthy served as a volunteer at Gottlieb Hospital in Melrose Park. He also was a member of the Chicago Board of Options Exchange, where he owned a seat since the early 1970s. For many years, Mr. McCarthy also distributed a family newsletter called Mac News. “He remained active right up until the end,” said his son. “He was a devout man, who never feared death, but looked forward to his next life with the Lord.” Other survivors include three sons, Michael, Patrick and Peter; a brother, Justin; five grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Visitation will be held from 3 to 9 p.m. Thursday in Drecshler, Brown & Williams Funeral Home, 203 S. Marion St., Oak Park. Mass will be said at 10:30 a.m. Friday in St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic Church, 1530 Jackson Ave., River Forest.
