KILMARNOCK—William Henry McCarty, 85, of Kilmarnock passed away peacefully surrounded by family on July 11, 2017, at Henrico Doctors Hospital in Richmond.
Born in Philadelphia, Pa., to Margaret and Daniel McCarty, he lived most of his life in New Jersey and Virginia with his loving wife of 60 years, Berit McCarty, originally of Horten, Norway.
Bill was a passionate and educated man who earned his undergraduate degree from Villanova and a PhD in chemical engineering at the University of Michigan. He enjoyed spending time with his family above all things. His inquisitive and scientific mind never rested and his accomplishments were many.
Bill’s career began as a naval officer, followed by many years of innovative engineering at Mobil Chemical Company that resulted in numerous patents. In his spare time, he was a voracious reader and loved working on challenging projects around his home. Bill always understood that home and family were the foundations of his life. He affectionately referred to their home in Kilmarnock as “Camp William Henry,” which featured a steady rotation of friends and family.
Through many years of research and travel in Ireland, Bill reestablished extended family connections and as a result, third and fourth cousins routinely visit each other in both Ireland and the U.S.
Bill is survived by his wife, Berit; and their children, Kristin Schueler, Bill McCarty, Mike McCarty, Patrick McCarty and Inger Hudson. Through these five children, they enjoyed watching 13 beautiful grandchildren grow up, plus two great-grandchildren and counting. Bill is also survived by his brother, Daniel McCarty; and his sisters, Mary Scott, Roseanne Cooper, Rita Gantz and Kathleen Gardosh.
A memorial service will be held at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, Kilmarnock, on October 7, 2017, at 11 a.m.