Born: Dec. 19 1942

Died: Sept. 12, 2012

Jerry B. McCarty, 69, of Niles, passed away at The Center for Hospice Care in Roseland on Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2012, with his wife and family by his side.

Jerry was born on Dec. 19, 1942, in Galien to the late Frank and Louise McCarty. Jerry graduated from Galien High School in 1961.

The family lost not only a husband, father and grandfather, but a man who dedicated his life providing the invaluable service of providing water to many of you in the community. They lost their “Well Man.” He learned his trade from his father, Frank, and in turn, passed it on to his two boys. He began his career as a machinist but quickly realized how much he wanted to be outside. In 1972, he purchased the business from his father and provided service to people well in to his retirement. He was an active member of St. Mark Catholic Church in Niles, a member of the Three Oaks Spokes Bike Club and of the Monday Night Running Club. On Feb. 13, 1999, Jerry wed Jean Stillwell.

Jerry was a simple man who enjoyed hiking and biking with his wife, Jean, keeping him fit and healthy until cancer robbed him of what should have been the best years of his life. Jerry was never known to give up on anything and he held true to that while battling for his life.

He is preceded in death by his parents.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Jean; sons Greg (Ulrike) McCarty and Michael McCarty, both of Buchanan; stepson Todd Stilwell, of Colorado Springs, Colo.; three grandchildren, Lindsey (Brad) Heron, Carsten and Tristen McCarty, all of Buchanan; two step-grandchildren, Nichole Stilwell of Houston, Texas, and Cyndee (David) Wardle of Vista, Calif.; one step-great-grandson, Johnathan Wardle; and one brother, Leonard (Carol) McCarty, of Galien.

A memorial service to honor Jerry’s life will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Sept. 17, 2012, at Brown Funeral Home in Niles with a time of visitation two hours prior.  Rev. Thomas King C.S.C. will be officiating.

Memorial donations may be made in Jerry’s name to The Center for Hospice Care, 111 Sunnybrook Court, South Bend, IN 46637; Berrien County Cancer Services, 7301 Red Arrow Highway, Stevensville, MI 49127; or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Those wishing to leave a message for the family or upload a photo may do so on our website at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com or on our Facebook at www.Facebook.com/BrownFuneralHomeNiles.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Niles.