I learned recently of the passing of an old friend, Don McCarthy, of Manhasset.

I first became acquainted with Don many years ago as a volunteer in the local Democratic Party. I was a “kid;” Don was one of the “grown-ups.”

Back then, in the ’70s and ’80s, the politics of Nassau County and the Town of North Hempstead looked very different from today. It took a special breed of person to remain engaged and dedicated to a cause that saw many more disappointments than successes. Don was one of those rare individuals, starting out in Westbury and then settling for good with his family in his much-loved Manhasset.

During my years as a political leader, Don was always a source of solid guidance, good judgment and unerring wisdom. When I entered the legal profession he so revered, I was privileged to represent Don in his capacity as the long-time vice-chair of the North Hempstead Board of Zoning Appeals, a responsibility he performed with honor and distinction for two decades. As a BZA member, Don was the same person he was in all his endeavors – a patient listener, a thoughtful problem-solver, and always fair and balanced in his decision-making.

Don was above all else about family and service, the dual responsibilities that drove so many whom I considered role models when I was growing up. As a young man, I encountered many of these individuals who had been formed by the experiences of World War II, the Korean War (Don was a proud Korea vet), and the 1950s/1960s suburban boom that created the Long Island of today. They were a different breed and of a different time. Like Don, they seemed more certain about what was right and wrong, good and evil, important and unimportant.

Our community matured into a better, kinder, more tolerant place because of Don and so many countless other like him.

Donal Finnbar McCarthy was my friend. I was very fortunate to have first crossed his path more than 50 years ago. May he rest in peace. Sincere and heartfelt condolences to Maureen and the family.

Gerard Terry

Roslyn