Little Ray McCarthy, 10, Passes Away Following Cancer Battle

LONG VALLEY, NJ — Obituary submitted by the Leber Funeral Home:

Dear family, friends and prayer partners of Little Ray McCarthy,

It is with a heavy heart and many thanks that we reach out to you on behalf of our whole family. Your support and love over these past many years has filled our home with love and well-wishes that have had a deeper impact than we can express.

Raymond Anthony McCarthy, Jr., “Little Ray,” age 10, of High Bridge, NJ passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family and friends, on Saturday, November 10, 2018. Ray, who was born on May 5, 2008 at Hunterdon Medical Center, lived his short life to the fullest and brought so much happiness and laughter to all those who knew and loved him.

“Ray” was the absolutely perfect name to be bestowed upon our little buddy because he was like a brilliant ray of sunshine, bursting into and lighting up a room with his enthusiasm, energy, and fast-talking chatter. He always was so excited to share a story, perform a magic trick, or express his opinions bluntly and with vigor. No one could ignore his dynamic presence, whether hearing him ask a barrage of questions, tell a joke, or simply recount his day. And, no one will ever forget his wide smile and charming ways.

A Star Wars and Harry Potter aficionado, Ray loved watching movies, especially when they were set up in the backyard for viewing, and hosting themed parties at his home or at Schooley’s Mountain Park. Visiting Walt Disney World, the North Carolina beaches, and his family locally and in Texas and Ohio also made the top of his list for favorite pastimes. A true outdoorsy kid, he loved playing in the treehouse and running around outside with his brother, as well as fossil hunting, fishing, and participating in all of the fun Cub Scout activities (especially the Pinewood Derby) with High Bridge Troop 149. Additionally, his passions included attending car races, watching the Food Network, reading cookbooks, cooking, playing baseball, performing Jiu Jitsu, and just hanging out in his family room. Despite all the medical issues he valiantly faced in his young life, he truly savored the little joys, such as eating his beloved “basagne” (lasagne) in NYC after his hospital visits.

Ray is survived by his parents, Amanda (nee Clark) and Raymond Anthony McCarthy, Sr., and his younger brother, Liam, of High Bridge, NJ; his maternal grandmother, Sharon Wilson, of High Bridge, NJ; his paternal grandfather, Raymond L. McCarthy, of Mt. Olive, NJ; his uncles, aunts, and their children: Brian and Emelynn Joanne McCarthy and their son, Patrick, of Sparta, NJ; Amy Mifflin of Houston, TX; April and Gregg Guay and their daughter, Taylor, of Eaton, OH; Daniel and Karen Clark and their daughters, Amy and Nichole, of Dallas, TX; Angela and Steve Mark of Bonner Springs, KS; and many other loving relatives and friends. He was predeceased by his paternal grandmother, Patricia McCarthy, and his maternal grandfather, Jerry Wilson.

A Celebration of Ray’s Life will include a visitation on Thursday, November 15, 2018, from 4pm to 8pm, at St. Luke Parish, 265 West Mill Road, Long Valley, NJ. An 11am funeral mass will be celebrated on Friday, November 16 at St. Luke Parish. A private interment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in East Hanover, NJ. William J. Leber Funeral Home in Chester, NJ is in charge of all arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Luke Parish for the creation of a memorial at a later date in Ray’s memory. Please make checks payable to St. Luke Parish - memo: Little Ray Fund, and mail to St. Luke Parish, c/o Raymond McCarthy Memorial, 265 West Mill Road, Long Valley, NJ 07853.

For online condolences and information visit www.leberfuneralhome.com.