Thomas McCarthy
(1968 - 2011)

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General Details

Name:	Mr Thomas McCarthy
Nick Name:	Tom
Gender:	Male
Age:	43 years old
Lived:	Saturday, 2 November 1968 - Monday, 28 November 2011

My Story

     Tom McCarthy loved and lived life like few others. As the youngest of 6 kids, he honed his humor and antics to thrive, given his place in the pecking order. Tom’s mother died when he was 6. Maureen, his only sister, worked to replace a mother’s nurturing role, and delayed college briefly to help Tom and the other boys.
     These experiences forged Tom into the endearing and charming individual we loved. His childhood taught him how to overcome adversity. He learned to fight, or more likely, finesse his way through obstacles. Tom was boisterous and irrepressible – traits which unfortunately didn’t serve him well in school. He moved from New York to Seattle when he was 15 to live with his brother Brian and sister-in-law, Lisa. His fresh start in Seattle schools helped, but in high school Tom’s interest was captured by computers, speed (skateboards and later, motorcycles), and being independent. He was on his own!
      In his early years, Tom taught himself computers, building them for friends and cash. He was gregarious; an extrovert with a capital ‘E’. He became a successful bartender and was sought after by popular Seattle establishments looking to boost their customer base. He made hundreds of friends and connections that opened doors for him. To supplement his nighttime gigs as bartender, a friend hired him to “pull cable” by day, as office networking grew explosively.   His smarts moved him into connectivity, installing the switches and routers that made the cables useful. He was soon leading crews. He led an all-volunteer effort to wire the Seattle Public school (COHO) of his nieces, Madeline & Kathleen. A quick study, Tom became proficient with network and transport technologies, and worked at MCI, World.com and T-Mobile.
     Tom was highly regarded professionally, which led to promotions and a relocation. T-Mobile moved Tom and Larry to Hawaii in 2004, where they made many new friends. Tom enjoyed the beach, kite-surfing, skydiving, the ‘sib trips’, and Larry’s ever-blooming flowers. He recently began water color classes and created beautiful paintings of Hawaiian flowers. Tom’s health worsened, but he didn’t complain or let it diminish his inimitable and positive outlook. He fought on until Monday, November 28th. Tom passed peacefully with Larry at his side.
     Tom was always upbeat, had the biggest heart on the planet and was certainly the life of the party. He will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him.

     Thomas J McCarthy, a resident of Ewa Beach in Hawaii on the island of Oahu, was born in New York on November 2nd, 1968 to Edwin B McCarthy and the late Joan (O’Shea) McCarthy. Tom is survived by his partner of 18 years, Larry Milanovich and siblings Brian, Maureen, Dennis, Kevin and Sean. His 11 nieces and nephews will miss him dearly, and most would call Tom their ‘funnest’ uncle.
     No service will be held. You can make a gift in Tom’s honor to the Seattle Animal Shelter/Donations, 2061 15th Ave W, Seattle, WA 98119-2798, 206-386-PETS . Alternatively, make a tribute in Tom’s name to the Hawaiian Humane Society, 2700 Waialae Avenue, Honolulu, Hawaii 96826 (808) 356-2213

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Biography

Fathers Name:	Edwin B McCarthy
Mothers Name:	Joan M McCarthy
Country of Birth:	USA
Country of Residence:	USA
City of Residence:	Ewa Beach, near Honolulu
Occupation:	Information Technology & Telecommunications
Marital Status:	Engaged
Religion:	Other