William M. McCarthy

William M. McCarthy, Age 75 of Westwood, formerly of Arlington and Brighton, passed away after a brief illness on March 12, 2024.  He will be dearly missed by his wife, Kathleen (Ring), daughters Caitlin, Lauren and Kelly; their respective partners, Christian, Scott and Kyle; grandsons William and John Henry and step-grandsons Conor and Jack; sister Judith McCarthy-Langley and her husband Donald, and late brother John and his wife Lois.   

Born in Brighton, Bill joined parents Catherine (O’Connor) and John, brother John and sister Judy.  Displaying his work ethic and business acumen from a young age, his early ventures included a daily paper route, caddying at the golf course and reselling wiffle bats to local cattle drivers at a premium.  Bill attended St. Anthony’s parochial school and Boston College High School before majoring in math at Boston College, where he was not known for his punctuality nor his lengthy exam preparation.  Despite this, he advanced his studies by earning an MBA at the Amos Tuck School of Business Administration at Dartmouth College.  He was also a member of the CFA Institute. While a student at Tuck, Bill met Kathie on a blind date to the Winter Carnival.  They married in August 1973, what Bill would later call, “the best decision [he] ever made.” 

Bill’s career took him to New England Life and Invesco, where he worked as a portfolio manager and Senior Vice President up until his retirement in 2001.  Additional ventures included investments in bar ownership, real estate and wine cellars, serving as a commissioner of the Dedham-Westwood Water District, and sitting on the BC High Board of Trustees. After retiring, Bill continued to pursue his passion for investment, researching and trading tirelessly from his somewhat cluttered home office.  He became active in an online finance community, where he was known as “Billy Bob,” an adept trader who displayed his sense of humor, strength of character and generosity. 

Bill gave his all to his daughters and supported them equally in academic, athletic, career and personal endeavors.  In the early years he worked with his children tirelessly, encouraging self-confidence and consistent hard work as foundations for success.  Bill served as coach, catcher and batting practice pitcher, and made it to games near and far, with an unmatched memory in which he filed away scores and statistics from every single softball game.  As the girls entered adult life, Bill became a trusted advisor and mentor, lending his analytical mind and thorough research skills to tackling any problem that might arise, from where to live or how to buy a car to career moves or which wine might best compliment a meal.  

Bill and Kathie loved traveling together, most recently embarking on a tour of Portugal and Spain in spring 2023 with their children to celebrate their 75th birthdays and 50th wedding anniversary.  A lover of fine wine, Kathie’s cooking, soul music, steel drums and sunsets, at home Bill could be found enjoying walks with Kathie, hitting golf balls in the backyard, taking summertime dips in the pool, reading the newspaper, watching Boston sports with the cats, and spending time with his children and grandsons.  Bill was a devoted and loyal friend, with some friendships spanning more than 60 years.  He always showed up for others, and made every person in the room feel included.  Sometimes known as “Wild Bill,” he loved a good party, and was known to break out his signature dance moves on occasion.  Bill is remembered as a constant seeker of knowledge, generous friend and mentor and, most of all, a loving family man. 

A celebration of life will be held in the Grace Ballroom at The Hilton Boston/Dedham, 25 Allied Dr., Dedham, MA 02026 on Saturday, April 6, from 2:00-5:00 pm. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in Bill’s name to: 

The Fund for BC High www.bchigh.edu/give 150 Morrissey Blvd, Boston, MA 02125

or Rhode Island Social Skills Academy (RISSA) www.rissanewport.com  PO Box 4916, Middletown, RI 02842 (note: Bill’s name)