David Anthony James McCarthy
June 2, 1969 to January 20, 2026
Obituary
The funeral mass for David Anthony James McCarthy will be livestreamed for those unable to attend.
Please click HERE for the link.
David Anthony James McCarthy passed away too soon on January 20, 2026, at the age of 56. Diagnosed with ALS in September 2024, David faced the disease with remarkable grace, tenacity, curiosity, and wit—qualities that will continue to inspire all who knew him.
David was predeceased by his grandparents Patrick and Annie McCarthy, Andrew and Regina McBride, and his great family fried Doug Sebben. He leaves behind his beloved children, Olivia, Annie, Patrick, and Thomas, who were the centre of his world; his parents, James and Regina McCarthy; his brothers Andrew, Mark, and Jason; his sister-in-law and dear friend Raylene Stokes; his many nieces and nephews; the mother of his children, Sherri Amos, and her family; and a wide circle of aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and colleagues.
Born and raised in Newfoundland, David was a proud Topsail boy who carried his roots with him wherever he lived. The second of four siblings, he drew lifelong strength from his family and from the bond of the “McCarthy boys,” a brotherhood that defined him.
After earning a BA from Memorial University and an LLB from the University of New Brunswick, David built a successful legal career, eventually settling in the Waterloo region as a respected litigator. For over 20 years Ontario became his surrogate home, where he formed deep friendships, embraced community life (and golf), and, most importantly, raised his family.
David’s children meant the world to him. He was their confidante, teacher, cheerleader, and friend. His conversations with his children were filled with wisdom, humour, and unwavering support (and sometimes the occasional ribbing). Though their time together was far too short, the bonds they share are enduring and will continue to guide them.
Known for his sharp mind, love of learning, and gift for connection, David built friendships that ran deep and wide. Even in illness, his curiosity and perspective never left him. Father, son, brother, uncle, nephew, friend, coach … Min, Old Joe, The Senator, Sheppard of the Golden Lamb, Swiler …… David held many titles and handles. He lived fully, loved fiercely, and left a legacy measured not in years, but in relationships. May we all be so fortunate.
Visitation will be held at Carnell’s Funeral Home on Friday January 23rd from 2–9 p.m. A funeral mass will take place Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at St. Edward’s Catholic Church (Manuels). A Celebration of Life event will commence immediately after the Internment Ceremony at the Sheraton Hotel Newfoundland. Donations in David’s memory may be made to the ALS Society of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Schedule
Visitations
2 - 9 pm on January 23, 2026
Carnell’s Funeral Home
329 Freshwater Road
View on Map
funeral
10:30am, Saturday January 24th
St. Edward's Catholic Church
I am so sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. My sincere condolences to your family at his difficult time. May your cherished memories bring a smile to your hearts.
Take care.
Mary Lehman and family.
Learning of your beloved David’s death, I send my deepest sorrows to his family and his dad, Jim, who I enjoyed working with for many years. David was a true pleasure to teach and engage with.
Our sincere condolences to your family. We met Dave when our sons played hockey together and were very sorry to hear of his passing. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers, and we are wishing you comfort and peace during this difficult time.
Jim, Regina. and family, so sorry for the loss of your precious son, David. Cherish the beautiful memories. In my thoughts and prayers..
Heartfelt sympathy to the McCarthy family on David’s passing.
Shirley and Bill Butler
to Regina
Sorry to hear about the passing of your son, David.
Cherish your memories of him and know he is at peace
Sandy Nixon
My sincere condolences to the McCarthy family during this sad time. I knew David from our university years, through his cousin and my good friend, Jacqui. My thoughts are with you all.
To Jason Jim and Regina
My condolences to all your family on your loss. Although he faced his illness with great strength his loss will always be felt by friends and especially your family . I hope your memories and the stories of his positive contribution to this world and especially his contribution to his family and children will help as you go forward .
Take care
Ean Parsons
Jim, Regina and family, so very sorry to hear this very sad news. I remember David as a sweet little boy many years ago. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Dear beautiful generations of McCarthy Family, Please accept my deepest heartfelt condolences. Words can’t say enough but to fill your heart with loving memories and inspiration is an eternal gift for you all to cherish. Holdfast.
I had the pleasure of meeting Dave in the early days of my legal career. There are so many wild personalities in this field, but Dave’s stood out. He was clearly very intelligent, but more importantly he was kind, compassionate about his work and of course, hilarious.
I learned lots from him about how to be a good lawyer, but I treasure learning how important it is to just be your authentic self. We all loved being around Dave, because he had the best energy. He will be so very missed.
My sincere condolences to his children and entire McCarthy family.
David was a pure joy to work with. His vibrance was a truly infectious. His pride in his family was obvious and incredibly sweet. It was an honour to have shared this earth with him…even though it was for too short of a time.
No words can express the sadness we felt upon hearing of David’s passing. He was an amazing father, brother, son and friend who faced this disease with such grit and determination. He will be missed dearly by all who knew him. Andrew and I send our sincere condolences to the entire family.
To the McCarthy family I send my sincere condolences on the loss of David.
I knew Dave as a sincere and caring defence counsel, who always did his very best for his clients. As a Crown I always appreciated his excellent advocacy. But more than that, I enjoyed and appreciated his friendship. Although we seemingly did not have much in common, we enjoyed so many wonderful and meaningful conversations about every topic under the sun.
I always appreciated his sense of humour, directness, and willingness to take on any subject.
I am so sorry for your loss.
David will be well remembered by so many here in the Waterloo region. I will remember him and his passion for living well and his pride in his children, whom he spoke of so often to me.
Jim, Regina, Mark, Andrew, Jason & family. So sorry to hear of David’s passing. I have fond memories of some of our time at your place in Topsail. The McCarthy boys were always entertaining! Remember the good times. Sadly I am familiar with losing a brother too young. It is not easy. Just keep telling the stories and it helps as time goes on. The pain passes and you can look back and laugh and keep the memories alive. All my sympathy and prayers.
Regina, Jim, the “McCarthy boys” and the entire McCarthy clan. My severe condolences on Davie’s passing. I am sure , over time , you will have incredible memories of all the wonderful times you had with Dave, both individually and collectively. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
To the McCarthy Family,
Our deepest condolences on the passing of your son David. Cherish all the wonderful memories you have of him and may he rest in peace.
Regina and Jim,
Phyllis and I were saddened to hear of David’s passing
Rest ashored that he is now in the hands of God
Rest assured that we will ask God to lessen your suffering
Don and Phyllis Fleming.
Regina, Jim and family
Our deepest condolences on the passing of David.
Viola and my thought are with you during this tine of sorry
May your mrmories of David be with you always.
Clyde and Viola Wells
Regina ,Jim ,mark & family
Out deepest condolences to you all in the recent passing of your son,brother & friend
Please know we are thinking of you all at this time.,
David is now at peace
Free from all pain…we hope this gives some comfort.
Staff of the Bivver lounge
Sheraton Hotel Newfoundland..
Jim, Regina & family
Our sincere condolences and thoughts are with you all at this difficult time.. David was a pleasure in the classroom. I will always remember his conversations about rugby.
Stay strong
Bill & Gail Perks
Dear Jim, Regina and family,
Our sincere condolences to you all all at this difficult time and sending loving thoughts your way. 🙏🙏🙏
Patricia and Gervais
My sincere condolences to the McCarthy family and to Dave’s many friends on the passing of a well-loved and respected family man, lawyer and friend.. RIP Dave..
Peter O’Flaherty
The McCarthy family:
Our condolences on the loss of a fine man, father, brother and friend. I was fortunate to have met Dave through volunteerism, he contributed in all manners.
Andrew & family:
So very sorry to hear of David’s passing. May your loving, happy memories of him sustain you, at this time of immense loss. Sending condolences to all of his family and friends.
Bev & Keith Rose.
Jim, Regina, and family, sincere condolences on the passing of David. A time of great loss and sorrow and also a time of celebration of the life of a fine man.
A bird rare as hell looked out once from the Rock he had grown
Part question, part answer, some reply still unknown
Inquisitive mind and a kind heart full blown
Would this awkward rhyme serve to honour our Joe!
Once teens living baseball on Topsail’s best dirt
Dave owned the mound whist I covered third
Then life evolved with us, as spinning worlds do
Memory turns legend and a story or two
Emerge then the wise man, despite his young years
Dave channelled Yoda with philosopher beers
This chapter may close but the story not ends
Etched eternal in our hearts and our minds, our old friend.
To the McCarthy family
So sorry to hear about Daves passing.
I always enjoyed having a great conversation and laugh with Dave. Gone way too soon.
Regina, Jim, Andrew, Mark, Jason
Thinking of you as you celebrate David’s life.
Gerald Devereaux
My deepest condolences to the family. My thoughts are with you at this time.
Jim and family. My heart felt condolences to everyone. From the girls at hair for you beauty salon
Jim , Regina and family
So sorry to hear of David’s passing.
Heartfelt condolences at this sad time. May the memories of joyous times give you comfort. Our prayers and thoughts are with you .
Judy & Al Moakler
To the McCarthy Family,
I was so very sad to hear of Dave’s passing. My thoughts are with you all at this most difficult time. Sending love and light your way. xo
Jim and Regina and Family:
Humphrey and I are so sorry to hear of
David’s passing. Our heart felt sympathy to you and all your family. Rest in peace David.
Humphrey and Ann Dye
Mr. & Mrs. McCarthy and Family,
Mom and I were so very saddened to read of David’s passing. May your memories be blessings that comfort you in the difficult days ahead. Sending lots of love and hugs your way!
To David’s Family,
I was shocked and so very sorry to hear of David’s passing. I worked at a law firm with David years ago. He was one of the sweetest lawyers I had the pleasure of working with. Always up for a laugh and a good time and forever with that impish grin. He was one of a kind. I know all his family have wonderful memories that will help them through this difficult time. Rest easy my friend!
Jude
Andrew, Mark and families,
Heartfelt condolences on David’s passing. I greatly enjoyed running into him and reminiscing at Terra Nova a few years ago, 30 years after we had driven for two hours through the rain thinking we were crazy, only for the sun to break through as we pulled into the golf course!
Godspeed,
Randal
To the entire McCarthy family.
So sorry for your loss. Sending our deepest condolences at this extremely difficulty time..
Roy & Gerry Peach
Our Deepest condolences to Jim , Regina , Andrew, Mark & Jason. We’ve surely lost another of Topsails finest sons, he will be remembered fondly by all who met him.
Rest in peace, our hearts and prayers are with you always.
Tom & Gail Boggan
Topsail
To Regina, Jim and McCarthy Family.
Words cannot express my feelings for you at this time. It is a tremendous loss of your dear David. Thoughts and prayers have been with you since I heard of his diagnosis. Sending love Hilda Mercer and Family.
Regina, Jim & the McCarthy family, sending sincere condolences at this very sad time. May David rest in eternal peace.
Condolences to Dave’s family and children. He was a special, kind person who lived for his love of his children. At KnC I was lucky enough to be the butt end of David’s quick wit more than once, though he never left me feeling bereft – save for now.
Sending love and well wishes.
Sending our deepest and heartfelt condolences to the entire McCarthy family. We are thinking of you during this most difficult time.
Jim, Regina, and Family
Our sincere condolences on the passing of your son David. May your precious memories of him sustain you.
Thinking of you at this difficult time. God Bless.
Gerard and Joan Rumsey
Jim, Regina & Family
Teresa and I send our heartfelt condolences on the passing of your beloved son, David. We are thinking of you all at this most difficult time.
Gerry & Teresa Edney
My heart goes out to David’s family and to his friends. It is a tremendous loss; not having him with us. His undeniable joy for life, his steadfast wisdom that was doled out with honesty, compassion, and cutting precision. Beyond all of this, his greatest gift was his ability to love unconditionally with all of his heart. He will be missed.
You are all in our hearts and our prayers ❤️🙏
Regina & JIm,we were so sorry to hear the terrible news of David’s passing..Our thoughts are with you & your family,please accept our deepest condolences.Carol & Bob Duff
Regina, Jason and the McCarthy family,
So sorry for your loss of your beloved David.
Sending condolences to all your family and keeping you in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Treasure the wonderful memories. RIP David 🙏🦋
I’m so sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. Sending my deepest sympathy to all his family and friends. I attended. Beaconsfield High School with him. I always loved chatting with him- he said it like it was and you always walked away laughing at his quick wit. Unfortunately I moved away and never seen him in years. Rest easy Dave💜
So, so sorry for your loss McCarthy family and loved ones.
Everyone loved David. Great man. Great personality. Will be incredibly missed. Never forgotten.
Much condolences from the Lee’s in Florida…David, Jeanette, Lauren, Victoria and Amelia.
Love you all.
I’ve been missing Dave’s wit and wisdom since he left Kitchener a year and a half ago. He left a hole at the courthouse. For his family and friends in Newfoundland, please know what a great Lawyer he was. Dave was loved and respected by all. Part of advocacy is storytelling, so he was a born natural. You are in my thoughts.
McCarthy Family
Condolences on the passing of your family member.
Rest In Peace. David
Our hearts go out to you and your family.
So very sorry for your loss of a great man,who we had the pleasure of meeting in a hockey arena,while watching his son Thomas & my grandson play. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers!
Murray and Leslie Esbaugh
So very sorry for your loss of a great man,who we had the pleasure of meeting in a hockey arena,while watching his son Thomas & my grandson play. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers!
Murray and Leslie Esbaugh
So sorry to hear of Daves passing. My condolences to his family and friends. I have not seen him for many years. When we would see each other it was always like we seen each other yesterday. He was a man who called it like he seen it and I always admired him for that.
Gone way too soon but I will never forget him!🙏
I am so sorry to hear of this terrible loss. I remember Dave very well from our university years at MUN. You never had to guess where he stood on an issue, which I always appreciated. My heart goes out to his family and many good friends.
Regina and Jimmy and David’s loved ones:
No words can truly comfort at such a time. We can only send you our sincerest thoughts.
Louise and Alf
Sorry to hear of David passing.
Regina and Jim, Deepest condolences on David’s passing. Regina I remember you telling many funny stories about your four boys when they were growing up! Such a loss for your wonderful family. Rest in Peace, David.
I was lucky to call Dave a friend back at Memorial. David’s presence left a deep imprint on all who interacted with him. His unique blend of passion, conviction, humor, and logic was always engaging. Reading the messages from others brings back fond memories of a great person and fabulous times. He left us far too soon.
With sympathy,
Trevor Adey
Regina and Jim, we are so sorry to hear of the loss of your son David. We know you’ll take comfort in the memories you have of happy family times.
Dear Regina and Jim, David’s brothers, and his children,, and the wider McCarthy and McBride families. Deepest condolences from Barbara Murphy Patterson (auntie B), Gabriella and me in Ottawa. May happy memories of David bring you comfort.
I had the opportunity to meet Dave when he was working in Waterloo. He was funny, dedicated, and kind. His loss is deeply felt. My prayers go with him and his family during this time.
Jim and Regina, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. My heart goes out to you and your family during this incredibly difficult time.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and many friends of Dave today. He was the best of friends and truly one of a kind. Brilliant, hilarious, loyal and kind.
We became pals for life at Memorial, a place I would never have graduated from without his support. When he sensed a friend in need, he provided firm and excellent guidance, always with great humour and reassuring encouragement. Academics came naturally to him and he returned that gift by patiently teaching friends he felt had some potential that he could unlock.
Dave’s mischievous spirit matched well with his love of friends, intolerance of “pelts”, a good tale and a raucous debate. He often unapologetically said to me, “my opinions are strong because I am right!” As usual, I was left speechless by his logic and the ferocious confidence with which it was delivered. Every exchange with Dave was simultaneously educational and entertaining.
Dave faced his diagnosis with incredible courage and grace. We did not hear a single word of self pity. He made his living room the busiest drop in centre in town. When many others would have tapped out early in battle, he chose to live every day he could with his family and friends. The only thing that compared to his resilience was the constant love, care and company he received from his family and friends. Both were legendary.
There are no words to express our love, respect and admiration for Dave. We are determined to follow his incredibly positive example by focusing on all the good times we shared. We are sorry we can’t make it home tomorrow and we look forward to seeing everyone in the spring.
Family, friends and faith will see all through this sad time and bring focus on the blessing it is to have had Dave in our lives. God bless you Old Joe. You are an inspiration.
It was truly, my honour to know the man. He was a great friend to my younger brother and I. Dave was the kind of guy you may not have seen often, as in my case but he made it easy to pick up where we had left off.
He will be missed.
Regina and Jim, I was so very sorry to hear of David’s passing . Thinking of you.
Jim, Regina, Andrew, Mark, Jason, Dave’s children and Ontario family,
Dave was a great friend and we had many adventures together – from Ireland to Montreal to getting completely lost trying to get back to Kaegudeck Lake. He engaged the world with enthusiam and a great sense of humour which never left him – even when incapacitated by illness. He was in good spirits and joking with us this Christmas when had an opportunity to see him.
He’s gone too soon. My deepest condolences to all of you.
Mark Crosbie
Mark, Raylene and family
We are sending sympathy and prayers to you and your family. We did not know Dave but have heard so many wonderful stories! He will be missed by everyone. His light will shine bright through his family.
Linda & Greg
Jim, Regina and families,
Sincere Sympathy on the passing of your beautiful son, James. Treasure your beautiful memories to help you through the days ahead. God bless you all. Rest in Peace, James.
Cathy Boulos
To the McCarthy Family ,
Please accept my sincere condolences on Dave’s passing . Gone way to soon but he enlightened and brightened the lives of many during his time here on earth . RIP Dave .
To my cousin Jim, Regina and the Mccarthy family.
Sincere condolences on the loss of your beloved David. A short life well lived no doubt and he was loved by many. Rest in peace David.
Sincerely
Mary Lou (Butt) Sampson
Mark & Family,
My deepest condolences as you process a loss of this magnitude. Though I didn’t have the privilege of knowing your brother, my path to graduate education was supported by many years with McCarthy’s Party. My heart goes out to you and your family as you weather grief’s storm.
Andrew, Mark, Jason and the entire McCarthy Family,
I am very sorry for your loss. I have vivid memories of Dave where – over the course of days, evenings, dining room tables and long car rides – I had the benefit of engaging in conversations that ranged from thought provoking, to hilarious, to genuine learning moments. He left a profound impression on younger me which stuck firmly over the years, and remains to this day.
He was a genuine character, a true and loyal friend and some one who left his mark on all those who knew him.
All the best to you Dave, and thank you for everything you gave to those in your life.
Andrew,
My deepest condolences to you and the family.
Lisa Williams
Jim Regina Mark Andrew and Jason. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Many wonderful memories of the McCarthy boys sitting with me every afternoon waiting for dad.
Jim, Regina, Mark, Andrew, Jason & family. So very sorry for your loss and sending you love during this very difficult time. David was a very special man indeed and I will always carry incredibly fond memories (and a few stories) from my time in Topsail. Whether it was a life lesson over a moose stir fry in the kitchen, or a heated opinion on the state of a current affair, David was a great friend and mentor. I am grateful for the time together and I hope you take comfort in knowing how much he was loved. God bless and you are all in my thoughts and prayers..
Ryan MacLean
Dave was our boss, our buddy, our history buff (we think he made some of it up to mess with us), a jokester, a shoulder to cry on and always someone we could lean on. His larger than life presence brought light and humour to our little office and we miss that everyday. We choose to remember and celebrate Dave with a ‘cocktail or two’ as he would want and share stories of his shenanigans to keep laughing.. Much love from ‘his Kitchener girls’
Mark, Andrew, Jason and the entire McCarthy Family,
I am so very sorry for your loss! Dave was a fine fellow and being taken at 56 is just brutal.
I have lots of fond memories of Dave from our days on the rugby pitch and at Memorial. He was a fierce competitor and a loyal teammate. His laugh was infectious as was his humor.
He loved his family, his friends and his province.
Gone too early.
Thank you, Dave for the memories
Jim, Regina, David’s Children, his brother’s , as well as all of his friends and extended family. So sorry for your loss. Wishing all of you strength and comfort during this difficult time. Hoping that many precious memories will help you through this tragic loss.
So sad to hear of David’s passing. Although I did not personally know David, I worked with Jim at Beaconsfield High School and remember how he would talk about his boys. You could see Jim’s pride. May thoughts and prayers guide you all during this difficult time.
Sincere condolences to all David’s family. So difficult to understand why one so young is taken from us . May the wonderful memories you have made together help you through these very difficult days ahead. Donald and Judy Fitzpatrick
To: Jim and Regina and the McCarthy Family.
Our condolences to you on the passing of David hold the memories of the good times together to help you get through this difficult time. May he Rest in Peace.
So sorry to hear of David’s passing. Sincere condolences to all the family.
My sincere condolences to the whole family.
Mark –Raylene and extended family of David –
Clearly- and in a relatively short lifespan -David McCarthy had a life –well lived indeed –
His family –and a multitude of friends – sustained him in his latter days and were very important to him on his earthly journey –
One`s life is measured – often and best – by the impression and influence that life has had on others -by that standard David had a splendid life . His illness did not lessen him –
He is now at rest and may that rest be in peace –
Sincere condolences to all who mourn his passing .
Godspeed David
Jim, Regina, Andrew and families. Rob and I are deeply sorry to hear of the loss of David. You will be in our thoughts and prayers in the coming days. Rest in peace David.
My sincerest condolences to David’s family especially his cherished children. Losing a parent at a younger age is life altering without a doubt. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you try to make sense of your loss. May your fond memories comfort you all in the days ahead. God bless his soul.
Dearest cousin Jim, Regina and all of David’s family,
John and I send our deepest sympathies to you all for the loss of David. We can only imagine your profound sadness. I have fond memories of David as a little boy when visiting you in Topsail. May your memories sustain you through these dark days. Sending love and hugs.
Catherine and John
so sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. great guy. always enjoyed seeing him and talking to him. I’ll never understand why bad things happen to good people
Dear Regina,Jim and family,,
My sincere condolences to you all at this sad time. May he rest in peace.
Phyllis Fitzgerald
On behalf of of Dave’s old law school colleagues, who all remember Dave with fondness, I am passing on sincere condolences to his family and loved ones. RIP.
Sending love and sincere condolences to Regina,Jim and all the family at this sad time . I know you will all treasure the wonderful memories Dave left you …. And they will bring you comfort in the long days ahead.
Gudie Hutchings
So sorry to hear of David’s passing. My condolences to his family.❤️
When we were younger, David was one of my closest friends: loyal to his core, quietly protective, with a huge heart that made you always feel safe around him. We had a lot of adventures, endless laughs, and conversations where anything and everything was fair game. He could be fun and ridiculous, but when things got serious, he was always the guy who listened. My mom adored him- my dad enjoyed talking with him.
At the time, we didn’t even realize we were making memories; we just knew we were having fun.
I’m so incredibly grateful we reconnected these last few years.
David, you had the bravest heart. I love you, my friend. xoxo
Roger & I are so sorry to hear this but know your road hasn’t been easy. Know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers at this time.
Lost a great friend , father, brother and son , Dave was so full of fun , great guy to talk life with, he will be sorely missed , my thoughts and prayers are with family at this time , gone way to soon but left his beautiful mark on the world in many ways . RIP David , till we get the chance to tilt a pint again .
We are so sorry to hear the loss David.
Sending the family our deepest sympathies at this sad time.
Della Penney & Family
So sorry Pat,Jim,Regina and family for your loss. Thinking about you at this difficult time. My thought and paryers are with you.
We are truly sorry to hear that Dave has passed. Our thoughts are with the McCarthy family at this sad time. Rest in peace.
My thoughts are with you all at this sad time. May Dave rest in peace.