Col. Robert Denis McCarthy (USMC), 79, of Raleigh, passed away Monday evening at The Cypress of Raleigh.

Born January 9, 1935, in Boston, MA, he was the son of the late Charles W. McCarthy and Irene C. DeNis McCarthy. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother, Charles "Charlie" W. McCarthy, Jr.; and a sister, Irene "Renie" McCarthy.

Bob attended Boston English High School, Lawrence Academy, and graduated from Notre Dame University. He then attended officer candidate school in Quantico, VA and was commissioned into the United States Marine Corps. where he became a helicopter pilot. Bob was selected as the commanding officer of HML 771 in South Weymouth, MA, before being promoted to the rank of Colonel. He was a teacher and coach at Brighton High School in Boston, MA, and then went on to coach football at Harvard University, East Carolina University, Elon College, and North Carolina Central.

Bob is survived by his wife of 26 wonderful years, Jean R. Dodd; daughters, Monica Mannion, and Patricia Higgins; sons, Denis McCarthy and his wife Stacie, and Michael McCarthy and his wife Jennifer; 3 step-children, Tommy Dodd, Bobby Dodd and his wife Debbie, and Larry Dodd and his wife Ginny; 9 grandchildren; 12 step-grandchildren; 6 great nieces and nephews; and 5 great-great nieces and nephews; and a sister, Karen J. McCarthy.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Transitions LifeCare, 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 12:00 Noon, June 12, 2014 at St. Raphael Catholic Church, 5801 Falls of Neuse Road, Raleigh, NC 27609. A Visitation will be held 11-12:00 p.m, prior to the service.

Arrangements are by Montlawn Funeral Home, 2911 S. Wilmington St., Raleigh, NC. Condolences can be made at www.montlawn.com