Gerald E. McCarthy, Retired Detective

    Gerald E. McCarthy, a retired detective with the New York Police Department and a devoted member of the Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Bridgehampton, died on March 16 at Good Shepherd Hospice in Port Jefferson. His death was caused by leukemia, which was the result of myelodysplastic syndrome, a blood disease.  

    Dedicated to his chosen career in law enforcement, Mr. McCarthy worked as a police officer for New York City and also as assistant commissioner with the New York State Division of Criminal Justice. He lived in Tarrytown, N.Y., before relocating permanently to Noyac.

    Mr. McCarthy was an active golfer before he fell ill, enjoyed reading and book groups, and belonged to such organizations as the Police Anchor Club, National Law Enforcement Associates, Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, and the Holy Name Society.

    With his wife, Margaret, who survives, he spent summers in Sag Harbor for over 30 years before becoming a year-round resident of Noyac six years ago.

    Married 30 years, he and his wife spent the winter months in Florida and traveled frequently, in this country and in Europe. They were socially active, and had a large group of friends on the East End.

    Born on Oct. 11, 1936 in New York City to J. Russell McCarthy and the former Anne Ayres, Mr. McCarthy attended St. Francis Preparatory School and St. John’s University.

    “He had a wonderful sendoff,” Mrs. McCarthy said,, which included a N.Y.P.D. honor guard. His funeral, which a large group attended, was on March 21 at the Queen of the Most Holy Rosary. Visiting hours had been held at the Yardley and Pino Funeral Home in Sag Harbor the previous day and burial was at St. Andrew’s Catholic Cemetery in Sag Harbor.

    Two stepdaughters, Maureen Rossi of Bethesda, Md., and Elizabeth Kirwan of Sag Harbor, also survive, as do two sisters, Patricia Vozab of Amenia, N.Y., and Sheila Maher of Ohio.