Robert Timothy McCarthy

Robert Timothy “Tim” McCarthy Jr., 85, died on March 28, 2024, near Madison, Wisconsin. Tim was at peace and in a hospice facility for the final several days of his life after living independently in Stoughton, Wis.

Born on September 28, 1938, in Philadelphia, he was the firstborn child of Robert and Marian A. (Swain) McCarthy. Five years later, his sister, Carol, was born.

After enrolling in college for two years, Tim enlisted in the U.S. Navy in September 1961. He served for three years, working as a cook, and thereafter was in the Naval Reserves for over two years before being honorably discharged.

His first of two marriages began in June 1962, when he married Patricia Tenebrini. Eleven months later, their first of two daughters, Karyn, was born, followed six years later by the birth of Bridgett. The family resided in Elmhurst, Illinois, and among other activities, Tim and Pat were enthusiastic members of a local theater company, which provided a vehicle for their dramatic, comedic and musical passions.

In February 1978, Tim married Claudia (Holmes) Tracy. Over the next two years, they had two children, Brittny and Michael. Later in 1980, they moved from Park Forest, Illinois to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.

Tim worked in sales in a variety of industries. In the mid-1990s, and for most of the last 30 years of his life, he embarked on a nomadic journey, mostly across the United States and Mexico.

Tim will be remembered in many ways, perhaps foremost his grateful spirit and commitment to sobriety, starting in his late 40s, which included his longstanding involvement in a support organization for others facing similar challenges.

He also possessed musical ability, which included a fine voice and guitar skills that enabled him to entertain loved ones with renditions that included John Denver’s “Country Roads,” Cat Stevens’ “Morning Has Broken” and Arlo Guthrie’s “City of New Orleans.”

Tim also had a sharp wit and a great fondness for wordplay, frequently punctuated by his hearty and infectious laugh.

Tim was preceded in death by his mother, Marian (May 1964); his second wife, Claudia (Holmes) McCarthy (November 1991); his father, Robert (February 2007); and his first wife, Patricia (Tenebrini) McCarthy (March 2015).

Survivors include his four children, Karyn (Leslie Lindeman) McCarthy, Bridgett (Matt) Baron, Brittny McCarthy and Michael McCarthy; his two stepsons, Dan Tracy and Ben Tracy; his sister, Carol LaChapelle; and five grandchildren.

At Tim’s request, there were no funeral services.

All Faiths Funeral & Cremation Services of Madison is assisting the family. Online condolences can be shared at www.866allfaiths.com.