Justin J. Mccarthy

Justin J. McCarthy, 58, of Albany passed away suddenly at his home in Albany. Born on December 2, 1965, he is the son of Elizabeth (Hunter) McCarthy and the late Justin J. McCarthy Sr.

Growing up in the heart of Albany in the 1970’s and 80’s, Justin spent countless hours playing basketball at Woodlawn Park, pitching at National Little League and Central Babe Ruth, and with teammates at St. Theresa’s of Avila gym. Along with many other young ballplayers of that era, Justin learned life-lessons at Coach Ron Morrison’s house. From racking up billiard balls, to pre-drivers ed training at 14 years old, Justin and his friends made many memories straight out of “The Bad News Bears.” Justin relished organizing the next caper.

At Christian Brothers Academy, Justin’s athletic success continued. He played four years of baseball and golf, and two years of basketball. Justin held the school record for homeruns at the time of his graduation in 1984. Justin also was part of the pitching rotation for a dominant American Legion squad at North Albany Post 1610, including a 16-0 record as a 16-year-old.

After attending Siena College, Justin began his professional career in the New York State Senate in the Office of Media Services. He quickly moved into the Press Office of Senate Majority Leader Ralph Marino and gained a reputation for his ability to create effective messaging for the Conference. In 1993, Justin started a longtime stint as Chief of Staff to State Senator Michael F. Nozzolio, where he played a significant role in shaping policy and working on political campaigns. He was proud to work on many local projects like securing funding for the Women’s National Hall of Fame in Seneca Falls, and many public protection measures, from supporting crime victims to improving working conditions for New York’s Corrections Officers.

After leaving the Senate, he started JM Consulting, where he represented a diverse group of lobbying and business development client issues including passage of the landmark Child Victims Act.

Justin was a highly accomplished golfer, and a longtime member of Normanside Country Club. During the off-season, he was a regular with his friends at the simulators, and on Sundays could be found at Del Lanes watching NFL football. He competed in numerous golf tournaments across the state, like The Anderson Memorial at Winged Foot, and The Williams Invitational at Oak Hill. He truly loved the game, and the time it afforded him with his competitors and friends.

The tales of Justin’s prowess on the course, and his “Curb Your Enthusiasm-like” golf road trips are truly legendary and will be shared for years to come.

His daughter Meredith and son Justin were the light of Justin’s life. He loved sharing stories of their successes with everyone. The proud father was always ready to go into great detail on their exploits in graduate school, starting their careers, or creating a YouTube channel with hundreds of thousands of followers.

He was preceded in death by his father Justin J. McCarthy, and brothers Bill and Jim McCarthy. He is survived by his mother Elizabeth Hunter McCarthy, daughter Meredith McCarthy, son Justin J. McCarthy III, sister Maureen (Jim Bennett), and brother Patrick (Erin) McCarthy as well sisters-in-law Maureen McCarthy, and Carol McCarthy, and dozens of nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to call on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, from 4 pm to 7 pm at the Daniel Keenan Funeral Home, 490 Delaware Avenue, Albany, NY 12209. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday April 11, 2024, at 10 am in the St. Pius X Church, 23 Crumitie Road Loudonville, NY 12211. After the mass, burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Glenmont, NY.

In lieu of flowers contributions in memory of Justin can be made to the CHARGE Foundation at www.chargesyndrome.org.

Online condolences may be made at www.danielkeenanfuneralhome.com.