Thomas Aquinas McCarthy

October 17, 1961 - July 10, 2024

Thomas Aquinas "Tom" McCarthy, 62, of New York, New York passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on July 10, 2024.

A lifelong Red Sox fan, Tom was born in Boston's Jamaica Plain neighborhood, the second of Edward and Noreen McCarthy's five beloved children. He attended Providence College (class of 1984) where he met and married the love of his life, Maura.

The honor of Tom's life began when he joined the United States Secret Service in September of 1986. His dedication to protecting his country and innate abilities as a leader propelled his 27 year career of service. Throughout his tenure, he traveled to nearly every corner of the world, from warzones to the White House, and built a network of lasting relationships with law enforcement and intelligence officials, diplomats, ambassadors and Heads of State. He retired in 2013 with a legacy of excellence and lasting impact that continues to endure.

Following his retirement from the USSS in 2013, he spent the next 11 years at NBCUniversal as Senior Vice President & Global Chief Security Officer based in New York City. He embraced this new challenge following his decades in government, with Super Bowls and the Olympics becoming his new G20s and State of the Unions. He cherished the role and his colleagues at 30 Rockefeller Center and around the world.

Though Tom was blessed beyond measure to have an incredible career and innumerable friends and mentors throughout his life, his true joy was his family. His wife Maura was more than his most trusted confidant, partner, and best friend – she was his entire world. Their four children, Tom Jr. (Sara), Molly (Jordan), Colin, and Elizabeth were the pride and joy of his life.

Together, along with their beloved dachshunds, they created countless cherished memories with Tom as their brave and hilarious leader. From summers on Cape Cod to sunsets in Naples and many places in between - Tom was at his happiest surrounded by them. That is, until his grandchildren, Elizabeth "Maeve" McCarthy and Thomas Aquinas "Bud" McCarthy III joined the family and made his heart complete.

Tom is further survived by his siblings Ed (Jeanne), Joe (Leslie), John (Carolann), Maura (Rick) Polles, and countless nieces and nephews.

Tom left an impact on everyone that was lucky enough to enter his orbit, however brief. If Tom was your friend, he was your friend for life. His quick wit, unwavering loyalty, endless kindness, and love for those around him will be missed by so many. Though the world became a little less brighter when he left it, his impact lives on in every promise kept, glass of Jameson raised, and belly laugh heard around the world.

A celebration of his incredible life will be held on Wednesday, July 17 at 11:00 am at Holy Name Parish (1689 Centre Street, West Roxbury, MA 02132). In lieu of flowers, his family asks that you consider donating to St. Jude's Children Research Hospital.