David Paul McCarthy

Madison / Shorewood Hills, WI - David Paul McCarthy was born on July 7, 1937, in Evanston, Illinois, and died at home in the Village of Shorewood Hills, Madison, Wisconsin, on May 19, after a long illness. David was predeceased by his parents and three brothers, and is survived by Susan Carter Pearsall, his wife of 38 years. He also leaves many cherished nephews and nieces. Additionally David is predeceased by his anonymous organ donor, and is perhaps survived by the donor family. These people gave David the gift of an extra 18 years, nine months, and nine days. Whoever you are, and wherever you are, please know that those of us who loved David send our inexpressible gratitude for your generosity. David's life took many twists and turns, but he was steadfast in his love of learning, and he spent his life surrounded by books and those who read. He traveled broadly; accumulated many academic degrees and honors; enjoyed sports; and taught students with tender care, a lively intellect, and a strong sense of responsibility for the next generation. David was the recipient of so much kindness during his lifetime that it would take this whole newspaper to name everyone wh...[more]

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eserves to be included. Specific mention should be made, however, of three groups that sustained David's household during his long illness. The BrightStar nurses are indeed bright stars; Heartland Hospice has great heart; and the Wednesday group of SnowFlower Sangha never let David and Susan feel alone in hard times. Also, many thanks to Patrick for keeping the literary lunches going until the very end. And, Gin, David might have forgotten how to smile without your baked goods, balloons, and turkey feathers! The name David McCarthy means Beloved Son of Love. David lived with courage, kindness, and integrity sufficient to deserve his name. May his memory be a blessing for us all. In lieu of flowers, David has requested gifts in his name to American Players Theatre, Spring Green, Wisconsin; the Art Institute of Chicago; the book fund of any public library; or the Capital Campaign of St. Ignatius Catholic Church in Chicago. A gathering of friends and family to remember David and celebrate his life will be held from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 23, 2015 at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison, followed by burial at Natural Path Sanctuary at the Farley Center. Cress Funeral & Cremation Service 3610 Speedway Road, Madison 608-238-3434