John Harold McCarthy

John “Jack” Harold McCarthy passed away peacefully at his home in Fort Collins, Colorado on September 25, 2023 at the age of 82. Jack was born at home in Sargent, Nebraska on September 22, 1941 due to severe flooding and washed-out roads to parents Phillip and Blanche (Crocker) McCarthy. Jack grew up in Broken Bow and Hyannis, Nebraska and graduated from Hyannis High School in 1960. After high school Jack joined the Army just like his older brother, Bill to whom he was very close. Jack was honorably discharged after his brother Bill died in a car accident in 1964. Jack married Shela Ann Lineback on July 2, 1966 in Chadron, Nebraska. They lived in Chadron for a short time before moving to the Denver, Colorado area. While living in Denver Jack worked in HVAC for several years and learned the trade. He and Shela decided to start their own heating and air conditioning company, so they moved to North Platte, Nebraska in 1977 to start Quality Heating and Air Conditioning. Together they ran this successful company for over 25 years while raising their two children Dionne McCarthy and Jason McCarthy. Jack got his pilot’s license in 1989 and flew his Cessna as a hobby, which he absolutely loved. He and Shela spent many weekends traveling around Nebraska and Colorado. One of the call letters on his plane was PaPa, which started the tradition of the grandkids calling him Papa. Jack and Shela retired to Fort Collins, Colorado in 2002. While in Fort Collins, Jack got to watch his two granddaughters grow up and be a very important part of their lives. He was especially loved by Max, his granddaughter's Bernese Mountain Dog, whom he took to the dog park regularly. They were buddies. Jack loved watching football especially the Denver Broncos, and painfully, the Nebraska Cornhuskers. As a true Nebraskan, he hoped this would be “the year” every season. Jack had a very good sense of humor and loved to find the humor in situations. People tended to gravitate to him at parties and gatherings to listen to a funny story or anecdote. He was very curious, loved talking to people and learning about them. He was sweet, kind, soft spoken and had a big heart. He loved his family very much, especially his wife of 57 years, Shela who was the love of his life. Jack was preceded in death by his son, Jason McCarthy, brother William McCarthy, sister Margaret McCarthy. He is survived by his wife Shela McCarthy, daughter Dionne McCarthy, granddaughters Hannah Sexson and Mena Cozzola, and beloved dog, Scooter. Please join us for a celebration of life from 2-4pm on October 15th, 2023 at C. B. & Potts, 1441 E Horsetooth Rd, Fort Collins, CO. Jack’s family asks that you consider making a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association.

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John Harold McCarthy

September 22, 1941 - September 25, 2023