Edward J. McCarthy, Jr.

It is with profound sadness that the family of Edward (Eddie) James McCarthy, Jr. of Milton and Chatham, MA announce his sudden passing on April 24, 2020.  Ed was loved by all and will be mourned by everyone he knew, and most greatly by his devoted and beloved wife of over 30 years Catherine (Katie) Doonan McCarthy and his cherished son Edward (Teddy) James McCarthy, III. 

Born August 1, 1959 and raised in Milton, Massachusetts, Eddie was the beloved son of the late Edward James McCarthy and Martina C. Sullivan McCarthy.  Ed had a very close and loving relationship with both of his parents.  Along with being wonderful parents, his father, Ed Sr., had a stellar 70 year (1929-1999) career with the Federal Reserve in Boston, and his mother was an accomplished watercolor artist, in her own right.  Following in his father’s footsteps, Ed made his career in the financial world, and he also possessed his mother’s artistic talents, demonstrated through his musical ability.

Eddie graduated from Xaverian Brothers High School in ‘78 (Westwood, MA) and continued onto Northeastern University graduating in 1983 with a degree in Finance.  Upon graduation, Ed moved to New York and worked on Wall Street, becoming a highly respected bond trader at a very young age.  He started his career with Carroll, McEntee & McGinley, and then joined County NatWest Government Securities, where he made lifelong friends and quickly rose through the ranks to Vice President, at both institutions.  

After a number of years dating Katie long distance Ed made his way back to the Boston area in 1989 and joined Fidelity Investments as a Government Securities Trader.  Ed was one of the initial and founding employees of Fidelity’s Capital Markets division.  He was FCM’s primary trader for US Treasuries and assumed responsibility for Fidelity’s participation in the US Treasury Auction in 2014.  With over 35 years of experience, Ed was one of the most knowledgeable traders in the industry and was highly regarded as an expert in Government Bond trading.  He served as a mentor to numerous colleagues throughout his career.  After 28 years, and much soul searching, Ed retired from Fidelity. Bored with retirement, his passion for the financial markets called him back into service consulting with many colleagues near and far.  Ed’s father was a founding member of the Government Bond Club of Boston, where he too, was a member.

When Ed and Katie met on New Year’s Eve, 1984, the fireworks began. They were married in 1989 and in 1998, they welcomed, with absolute joy their son, Teddy.  They  made their home in Milton and then in 2012 spent summers and many weekends at their ‘happy place” in Chatham, MA.  Ed treasured spending time with his family, being a husband, partner and golf coach to Katie, and father and best friend to Teddy.  He and Teddy enjoyed an incredible and enviable bond.

Eddie was one of those rare people who was so easy to know.  He was friendly to all, always happy to meet new people, and had such a warm and welcoming demeanor.  He had a great and infectious laugh.  He was a best friend to all.  Ed was often seen in full golf attire, with coffee in hand, sporting shorts in mid winter.  Eddie was never happier than being with his wife, son and extended family no matter what the occasion.  He especially enjoyed being on the Cape at his home in Chatham gearing up for a day of golf. Ed was a long-time member of Wollaston Golf Club in Milton, MA and the Eastward Ho! Country Club in Chatham, MA.  Ed was a former member of the Milton-Hoosic Club in Canton, where he scored a hole in one in 1987 and won the coveted Robinson Invitational in 2006.  He also served on the board of Governors while a member.  The Milton-Hoosic Club held a special place in his heart. 

He was an avid golfer who learned the sport at an early age from his father and passed his love of the game onto his son Teddy.  Ed was also a talented and accomplished drummer who played for enjoyment but also dabbled playing in a band.  The band made several appearances at the infamous Beachcomber in Quincy, where Katie was his biggest fan (#1groupie).  He was always  honored to be asked to make a guest appearance on drums at his many friends’ weddings. He passed this love of music onto his son Teddy, who enjoyed playing the drums as a child and most recently began learning to play the guitar under the tutelage of his cherished father.

In addition to his wife and son, Eddie is also survived by his brother-in-law Robert (Rob) Doonan and wife Karin of Cohasset, brother-in-law Jonathan (Jay) Doonan and wife Katie of Needham, sister-in-laws Marya Doonan of Naples, FL, and Gretchen (Noeltner) Doonan of Dedham. He was predeceased by his brother-in-law, James M. (Jim) Doonan, Jr.  and his loving in-laws, Dr. James M. and Mary P. Doonan.  Ed was also the adored uncle of Patrick, Connor, Brendan, Ellen, Terence, and Cameron Doonan. All of his in-laws and his nephews and niece always loved spending time with him no matter the season or the reason. Ed also leaves behind numerous beloved cousins.

Due to current restrictions, a celebration of life will be scheduled at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in Ed’s memory can be made to the American Heart Association, 300 5th Avenue, Waltham, MA 02451.