Joseph Stanley McCarty – 50th Reunion Essay

Joseph Stanley McCarty

Date of Death: 8-Aug-2015

College: Ezra Stiles

(This memorial was created by Robinhood Marine Center employees and reprinted in the January/February 2016 Class Notes.)

All of us at Robinhood Marine Center are sorry to report that our friend, coworker and former general manager, Joe McCarty, lost his courageous battle with esophageal cancer on August 8, 2015. Joe lived life to the fullest, and loved being on the water and around yachts. He graduated from St. George’s School in Newport, Rhode Island, and from Yale University and, based on his stories, majored in skiing and good times. Upon graduation, Joe and his longtime friend and classmate, Ben Ellison, purchased an old wooden 41-foot sloop in Camden, Maine, and began their dual lives around boats. They rebuilt Alice and sailed her along the coast and to the Bahamas for several years. Later, Joe and Ben became delivery skippers, and Joe continued on as a yacht captain, times he referred to with great memories and stories.

Joe came to Robinhood Marine Center in 1985. He had been operating a marina that was also a Cape Dory dealership on Chesapeake Bay, and desired to move to New England to be close to his family. With Joe’s expertise, vision, and energy, Robinhood Marine Center grew in size and reputation, becoming one of the foremost yacht yards on the Maine coast. He served on the board and as president of the Maine Marine Trades Association, and was always a proponent for advancing the efforts of the industry. Joe was a knowledgeable rigger, mechanic, electrician, boat operator, and jack of many trades. He also could operate every item of machinery in the boatyard. In 2005, after 20 years at the helm, Joe retired as general manager. In retirement Joe also purchased and completely re-fit his beloved yawl Furly B and chartered her out each season.

He had a thirst for life. When the cancer was discovered, he said that he had had a great life and had no regrets. Just wished it could last a little longer. Joe is survived by his loving wife Cindy, and a son and daughter.