Michael Francis McCarthy passed away on Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024, at the age of 84, at his home in Sealy, surrounded by family and friends.

Thirsty Thursdays will never be the same. Mike was born on Oct. 29,1939, in Denver, CO. to Joseph Kenneth and Ethel Swain McCarthy. He was welcomed by his older sister Mary Jo, and brother David. The McCarthy family moved to Houston in 1949 and Mike attended St. Thomas High School and St. Thomas University.

In February 1959, Mike enlisted in the United States Navy and later attended the Navy Air Technical Training Center in Pensacola, Florida where he trained to be a navigator. In April 1968, he was assigned to the USS America. He rose to the rank of Lieutenant Commander and was honorably discharged in June 1974.

One day in 1963, he went to a party (at his mother’s insistence) and met the love of his life, Lora. They were married in April 1964.

When Mike retired from active duty, they moved back to Texas with their three children and settled in Sealy in 1975.

Mike was very active in the Sealy community, serving in multiple positions at the American Legion, including Commander. He also taught woodworking in 4-H and was a member of the VFW and the Lion’s Club, where he helped start the Sealybration in 1976.

He loved to go camping, traveling with Lora to 47 states. He was an avid collector throughout his life, collecting stamps, commemorative spoons, antiques, coins, and M&M guys. His favorite time of the year was the holidays, which he started celebrating in October.

He was famous for his extremely large Christmas trees and his green and red Christmas outfit. He will be missed for his extroverted nature and ability to talk to anyone and make new friends. Mike and Lora’s house was a hub of activity and they loved to host parties. It was his wish that Thirsty Thursdays would continue after his death.

He is survived by his brother, David McCarthy, three children, Michelle and husband Mark Zama, Kathleen McCarthy and Pete Simons, and Timothy and wife Mischelle McCarthy; seven grandchildren, Amber and husband Samuel Aguirre, Becky Zama, Jonathan and wife Hillary Zama, Bethany Zama, Skyler McCarthy, Zoe Simons, and Annabelle Simons, five great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his wife Lora and his sister, Mary Jo Widacki.