CHARLESTON -- The West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals has confirmed that Senior Status Judge Daniel L. McCarthy died Nov. 25 at his home in Bridgeport, Harrison County. He was 78.
According to a news release, McCarthy was born in Parkersburg Dec. 7, 1930. He was a veteran of the United States Navy and served during the Korean War. He was a graduate of Marietta College and a 1958 graduate of the West Virginia University College of Law. McCarthy started his law career as an assistant prosecuting attorney in Harrison County. He later was elected to the Harrison County Commission, where he served for 12 years. He also served as the Clarksburg City Attorney and on the Harrison County Airport Authority.
In 1983 he was appointed to the position of circuit judge in the 15th Judicial Circuit of Harrison County. He was later elected and re-elected. He retired in 1996 and became a senior status judge and civil mediator.
“We mourn the loss of a dedicated judge and a fine person,” said Chief Justice Brent D. Benjamin. “Our thoughts are with Judge McCarthy’s family. He will be missed.”
Fifteenth Judicial Circuit Judge James A. Matish said, “Judge McCarthy was a great jurist, a gentleman, and an extremely compassionate human being. He had the patience to listen, to teach, and to be available at all times for the attorneys who appeared before him. He was a mentor for all the judges in Harrison County who have followed in his footsteps.
“He worked diligently mediating cases after his retirement. My deepest sympathy goes out to his family. His presence will be missed by all who worked with him throughout the years,” Matish said.
McCarthy is survived by his wife, Janet; two sons; six grandchildren; and a sister.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Daniel L. McCarthy Scholarship Fund at the West Virginia University College of Law. The fund provides law scholarships for one or more students who demonstrate academic promise and financial need. Preference is given to students from Harrison County.
Friends will be received at All Saints Catholic Church in Bridgeport from 4 to 8 p.m. on Sunday. A Vigil Service will be held at the church at 7:30 p.m. Sunday. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday. Burial will follow in Bridgeport Cemetery.
Burnside Funeral Home in Bridgeport is in charge of arrangements.
