Michael J. McCarthy passed away this past Christmas morning in the company of his wife of 36 years, Violy, in Florida where they resided. Mike hailed from Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he attended Catholic Central High School and went on to graduate from Western Michigan University. He spent a long career working as a high school teacher, which brought him to Guam for more than 30 years. There, he met and married his wife, Violy Palor. In 2018, Mike and Violy, and their daughter, Mackenzy, moved to Apollo Beach, Florida. Mike was a kind and compassionate man who loved music and photography and shared both freely with his family and friends. He will be greatly missed. For many years, Mike donned a Santa suit during the holidays and played the role of Santa at hospitals, shopping malls, and elsewhere, and it is remarkable that he passed on Christmas day during a season that brought him – and he to many others – great joy. Mike was predeceased by his parents, Edwin McCarthy and Joan McCarthy, and his brothers, John McCarthy and Martin McCarthy. Mike, who cherished family, is survived by his loving wife, Violy McCarthy, his daughter, Mackenzy McCarthy, and his siblings, E. Thomas (Linda) McCarthy, Mary (Jim) Veldheer, Karen (Paul) Borum, and Paul (Jane) McCarthy, and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Paul the Apostle Church at 2750 Burton St. SE in Grand Rapids, MI on Saturday, April 22, 2023, at 11 am, with visitation with the family at the church at 10 am.
24 Responses
We will miss you, Mike. Rest In Peace ❤️❤️❤️
Praying for you Violy and Mackenzy, so sorry for your loss.
Rest in peace Mr. McCarthy ????️. Condolences and prayers to the families. ????????
Thinking of you Violy and Mackenzy. So sorry for your loss .
Rest in peace and comfort Mike. Thank you for all your heartfelt contributions and intentions for our students and community. My fondest memories of you has always been of your enthusiasm in sharing the achievements of your students. We’ll miss your hard work and the care you demonstrated for all. Prayers and strength to Viola and Mackenzy????
Rest in Peace, Mike. Your energy and smiles will be missed. You may have moved to Florida, but you’ll always be a Shark and a part of our SSHS Shark family. Sincere condolences to Violy, Mackenzy, and the whole McCarthy family.
Mike was a great man. He will forever lives in our hearts. He will be grately be missed.
Our sincere Condolences to Violy, Mac and the family.
We are really sorry to hear about your lost..our condolences and prayers to you and your family..May the soul of Mike rest in peace and let perpetual lights shine upon him.. Amen
May his soul rest in the peace of God’s love ???????? praying with you all
Deacon David and Denise Richards
Condolence Cousin,Praying for you and Mackenzy.
God allways be there to take care to d both of you Cousin!
May his soul rest in peace!…
MacKenzy, I am so sorry for your loss . Be encouraged. Praying for you and your family.
My deep condolences to you and your family, Tita.
Eternal rest grant upon his soul,Lord.
Our condolences and prayers for Violy and Mackenzy! May he rest in peace!
Our condolences and prayers. May he Rest In Peace. We’ll miss you Mike…
We are sending prayer for you Mike!
Mike, you are in a better place and you picked the best day to meet with Jesus, I’m sure
give your family peace and comfort that you were picked in this special day. Rest In Peace !!
My prayer is that you would find peace, comfort, and all the support you need in the days to come. Day by day we will let go of this loss but we will never let go of our love. Ninong Mike will be missed.
Sorry for your loss Violy and Mackenzy.
Mike you will be missed. Rest in peace.
Rest In Peace uncle Mike. Sending healing prayers for Mommy Violy and atè Mackenzie❤️.
My Heart Goes out to you Violy & Mackenzy,
Praying for Peace for your tremendous loss????
We Love you all so much & Miss Mike!
Hugs to you
God Bless you ♥️
Noel Skiba & Paul Van Ess
Prayers for the entire McCarthy family. His life was a blessing to all who knew him! May you experience the grace and peace of Christ, which surpasses all understanding.
Rest in peace brother, you were a great teacher, photographer and person.
Mike loved family, friends, teaching, politics, music, photography, making videos, and bringing joy to Guam’s children for decades as Micronesia Mall’s Santa. After he relocated to Florida he told me that he missed Guam and I told him that Guam missed him too. Rest In peace my friend and we extend our condolences to Violy and MacKenzy.
I Love you So so much remembering very fun times together at our house & cottage
With our family’s together…
The Lske, fun food
Lots of laughter…
Even sharing some art work.
God Bless the whole McCarthy Family
We always wanted to see you in Guam.
May you be enjoying yourself forever up in heaven driving around like you are in Guam.
May you Rest In Peace
& many Hugs to all the family.
Lots of Love
Noel Skiba & Paul Van Ess