Philip Mccarthy

TILTON - Mr. Philip Thomas McCarthy, 78, died peacefully after a lengthy illness at the NH Veterans Home in Tilton on Wednesday, July 22, 2015. Formerly of Lynn, Massachusetts, resided for many years in Franklin. Phil served in the United States Armed Forces from May 1957 and was honorably discharged in April 1962. He served at Fort Dix in New Jersey and Fort Devens Massachusetts. He also received the Good Conduct medal. Phil was a good man from a good family. In his youth, he was a hard-working, dedicated, loving family man who would have done anything for his children. Through many hardships and heartbreaks, enduring tragic events throughout his life; he had the inner strength to rebuild his life. He was very strong and when he set his mind to something, he did it. Even as his health began to decline, you would still see him on his snow blower or lawnmower, or climbing ladders - he was determined to do everything himself and did not like asking for help. Most recently, he and his only daughter found each other after a lifetime apart, which made his last years his happiest. They loved each other and developed a new relationship which enriched both their lives. Phil loved his home, his land, his flowers his friends, his brother and his daughter. He was admired by all his neighbors for his friendly smile and sharp Yankee humor. "Uncle Phil" grew amazing lilies, and people drove by stopping to photograph his extensive garden. Phil loved watching deer in his yard early in the morning, and a nice cold beer with a burger on the grill. He also enjoyed his vintage cowboy movies, cards and letters and photos from family and friends, plaid shirts, mowing his lawn, and a friendly conversation with you in his driveway. Phil, we'll miss your blue Irish eyes and your feisty Italian ways. Sincere thanks, gratitude and appreciation to the staffs at The Peabody Home and the New Hampshire Veterans Home. Your dedication, care, compassion and friendship throughout Phil's illnesses will never be forgotten. His wishes were to be cremated and no memorial service of any kind. He said, "When I'm dead, I'm dead!" There's that feisty humor we all loved.