April 14, 1947 – July 8, 2025
Norbert “Joe” McCarthy, wonderful husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and owner of McCarthy’s Emporium
Olean-Norbert “Joe” McCarthy, of Olean, passed away at Olean General Hospital on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, after a short battle with cancer complicated by Agent Orange.
Joe was born in Olean on April 14, 1947, the son of the late Norbert and Marge Shumway McCarthy. On June 20, 1970, he married the former Laureen (Laurie) Anderson, the love of his life, who survives, and they celebrated 55 years of marriage.
A 1966 graduate of Olean High School, Joe joined the United States Army, serving from 1966 to 1969, and was deployed to Vietnam and Germany. He worked for Dresser Clark, Bob Davis Appliances, and then for the Olean Schools for 34 years and owned and operated McCarthy’s Emporium, a Christian bookstore.
A very special man, he was always willing to help and was very generous. Joe was the best husband, father, grandfather, and friend anyone could ask for. With the help of his sons, he built a garage and a family room. He was a wonderful Avon assistant. For years, he enjoyed coffee with the guys at Tom’s News Stand. Joe was very proud of his service in the Army and used to tell stories about Vietnam and Germany. He would chat with the customers who came into McCarthy’s and loved to work with the store’s engraver on projects. He enjoyed traveling, South America, especially the Galapagos, the Dominican Republic, several cruises, and trips to many states.
He helped finance, assemble, and deliver for many years, 125 stockings and 125 Easter Baskets for the Olean Food Pantry, bringing joy to many of the area kids. Joe has hosted kids for the Fresh Air Program and also hosted many exchange students with the Foundation for International Cooperation, also serving as President of their board. He participated in the Dwyer Program for veterans. He enjoyed fishing, working with his hands, word searches, and was a Scrapper (recycling). He always had a smile while working at McCarthy’s. He was also a Boy Scout. He volunteered for many years at the St. Mary’s community Christmas Dinners, serving as a veggie specialist and a dishwasher.
Joe is survived by his loving wife, Laurie; his children, Tim (Sharon) McCarthy, Patrick (Heather) McCarthy, and Katie Waples; his grandchildren, Autumn, Skyler, Kaelyn, and Jared (Allison) McCarthy; and one great-grandchild; a brother, James (Sue) McCarthy; nieces and nephews, Brent (Gina) Anderson, Laura (Bryan) Anderson, Sarah Russell, David (Brook) McCarthy, Josh (Amy) McCarthy and Jason (Mindy) McCarthy; great nieces and great nephews, Lucia, Ray, Leo, Adam, and Ethan; a very special son-in-law, Sean Waples; a very special brother and sister-in-law, Galvin and Sheryl Anderson; and sister-in-law, Dana Anderson.
He was predeceased by his parents, Marge and Norbert, and a sister, Adele, who died at birth.
Family will receive friends on Friday, July 18, 2025, from 3 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. at the Guenther Funeral Home, Inc., 1303 E State St., Olean. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels in Olean, burial to follow at St. Bonaventure Cemetery, with full military honors being accorded by the Allegany American Legion.
Memorials, if desired, may be made to the Cattaraugus County SPCA, 2944 Route 16 N, Olean, NY 14760
Online condolences may be expressed at guentherfh.com
