Gerald H. "Jerry" McCarthy, of Melrose, passed away at home surrounded by his family on April 30, 2019 at the age of 88. Jerry was born & raised in Melrose and attended Melrose High School. He was a lifelong Melrose resident and member of the Most Blessed Sacrament Church in Wakefield for many years. Jerry started with the Boston & Maine Railroad as an Apprentice in the 1940's and worked for over 40 years as a Union Machinist, Locomotive Engineer and Inspector before his retirement at the age of 61. He was a gifted & talented Machinist and could fix & build anything. Jerry was a hard worker, never complained, had a great sense of humor and loved a good joke. He was a quiet, supportive family man and always enjoyed taking his children to all their youth sporting events. Jerry loved to travel to Hawaii, Bermuda, Montreal and Niagara falls. He enjoyed Nahant Beach, dancing at the Oceanview Ballroom and his family was the most important part of his life. Jerry was the beloved husband of Jeanette M. (Ciulla) McCarthy for 68 years. Devoted son of the late Bertha (Webb) McCarthy. Loving father of Joseph McCarthy & his wife Holly of FL, George McCarthy & his wife Janet of Melrose, James McCarthy of Billerica, Jeanette Johnson & her husband Richard of Wilmington, Irene Murphy & her husband Tom of Shrewsbury and Geraldine Dale & her husband Jim of N. Reading. Cherished grandfather of 18 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren. Also survived by nieces, nephews, relatives & friends. Visiting hours will be held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St., Melrose on Thursday, May 2, 2019 from 4-7PM. A Funeral Service will be held at the Gately Funeral Home on Friday, May 3, 2019 at 10AM. Relatives & friends respectfully invited to attend. Burial in Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.