Franklin McCarthy ’59

Dr. Franklin L McCarthy, 84, of O’Hara Township, passed away on Tuesday March 8, 2022. He was born on October 5, 1937, in Holland, Michigan, the son of the late Leslie and Nellie (Kongkrya) McCarthy. Dr. Franklin is survived by his loving wife, Patricia; his children, Heather (Brandon) and John (Anne). He is also survived by his four grandchildren. Our patriarch loved to read, so think of this as a synopsis and not a footnote. His father worked in the shoe factory there and as Franklin moved through school the expectation was that he would too. From an early age, Franklin had a love of learning and the family dynamic and situation he grew up in was not the one he wanted to continue. Learning has always been his most valued path. He was not able to get into Hope College right away, but Ferris State allowed him in, and just a chance was all he needed. From Ferris he moved to Hope College and from there to the University of Chicago where he met the love of his life, Patricia. He also discovered a second love of teaching at the university level. Franklin got a PhD in Business and Economics from the University of Minnesota. He even got an additional Master’s degree as well. He stayed in the academic system, teaching on the west coast before moving to the University of Pittsburgh where he spent the bulk of his career. His students and classes meant the world to him and he was always reading and surrounded by books. His passion for teaching was not lost on his children. Both of his children have followed in his footsteps and are currently teachers too. Heather works to start out early learners and John works to develop undergraduate and graduate students. Franklin never lost his passion for teaching, but he did find a hobby that brought him tremendous peace and joy. He loved bird watching from his kitchen window and daily managed a delivery system where both birds and squirrels always had plenty. He is survived by his wife, Patricia, his daughter, Heather, and his son John.