Daniel K. McCarthy
September 19th, 1954 - November 23rd, 2025
Share Book of Memories with a Friend
Please enter the name and email details so that we can send your friend a link to the online tribute. No names or addresses will be collected by using this service.
Daniel's Obituary
Daniel K. McCarthy, 71, of Harbert, passed away Sunday, November 23, 2025 at Corewell Lakeland Hospital in St. Joseph in the comforting presence of his devoted partner of 15 years, Päivi Ekroth of South Bend, IN. Dan grew up in Homewood, IL, Homewood-Flossmoor Class of 1972. Graduated with a B.A. from the American Conservatory of Music in Chicago and a M.A. from Governor’s State University in University Park, IL.
Private trumpet instructor for 40 years, first in Homewood-Flossmoor-Chicago Heights. Relocated to Harbert, MI in 1990, having spent happy summers with his grandmother and aunts on Michigan St., next to Warren Dunes. Cherished his patch of Thoreau-like solitude.
Taught students in Michigan City and Lakeshore Public Schools, Andrews University, Lake Michigan College, La Salle Academy, and Notre Dame University (adjunct assistant professor). Member of St. Joseph Municipal Band (“on the bluff”) for many summers. Accomplished soloist, as well as ensemble player. Life-long, self-learner, follower of Yogananda and the Self-Realization Fellowship. Studied catalogs of Gregorian chants to Baroque, Satchmo to Miles Davis, Hendrix to Lady Gaga. Appreciated Päivi expertly organizing trips to Hawaii, her native Finland, Belgium, Dublin, and Mexico.
Predeceased by his parents, Daniel and Mary McCarthy, and brother, Robert D. McCarthy. Besides Päivi (and her sister’s family, Kirsi, Petteri and Werneri of Brussels, Belgium) he is survived by a sister, Mary L. McCarthy of Three Oaks, MI (formerly of Palatine, IL), niece Bridget Borth (Matthew Kordbegli) of Philadelphia; nephews Jeffrey Borth (Katherine; great-nieces Emelia and Eloise) of Barrington, IL; Brian Borth (Chelsea) of Westfield, IN; Alexander McCarthy of San Diego, and Logan McCarthy (Ariel Frankeny) of Encino, CA. The woodland critters will miss him as well, especially the birds.
Arrangements entrusted toStarks Heritage Chapel in Berrien Springs. Interment private at Riverside Cemetery in Three Oaks.
Donations:
Berrien County Cancer Service:
https://bccancerservice.org
3900 Hollywood Road
St. Joseph, MI 49085
Self-Realization Fellowship
https://members.yogananda-srf.org/donation
International Headquarters
3880 San Rafael Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90065-3219 USA
Private trumpet instructor for 40 years, first in Homewood-Flossmoor-Chicago Heights. Relocated to Harbert, MI in 1990, having spent happy summers with his grandmother and aunts on Michigan St., next to Warren Dunes. Cherished his patch of Thoreau-like solitude.
Taught students in Michigan City and Lakeshore Public Schools, Andrews University, Lake Michigan College, La Salle Academy, and Notre Dame University (adjunct assistant professor). Member of St. Joseph Municipal Band (“on the bluff”) for many summers. Accomplished soloist, as well as ensemble player. Life-long, self-learner, follower of Yogananda and the Self-Realization Fellowship. Studied catalogs of Gregorian chants to Baroque, Satchmo to Miles Davis, Hendrix to Lady Gaga. Appreciated Päivi expertly organizing trips to Hawaii, her native Finland, Belgium, Dublin, and Mexico.
Predeceased by his parents, Daniel and Mary McCarthy, and brother, Robert D. McCarthy. Besides Päivi (and her sister’s family, Kirsi, Petteri and Werneri of Brussels, Belgium) he is survived by a sister, Mary L. McCarthy of Three Oaks, MI (formerly of Palatine, IL), niece Bridget Borth (Matthew Kordbegli) of Philadelphia; nephews Jeffrey Borth (Katherine; great-nieces Emelia and Eloise) of Barrington, IL; Brian Borth (Chelsea) of Westfield, IN; Alexander McCarthy of San Diego, and Logan McCarthy (Ariel Frankeny) of Encino, CA. The woodland critters will miss him as well, especially the birds.
Arrangements entrusted toStarks Heritage Chapel in Berrien Springs. Interment private at Riverside Cemetery in Three Oaks.
Donations:
Berrien County Cancer Service:
https://bccancerservice.org
3900 Hollywood Road
St. Joseph, MI 49085
Self-Realization Fellowship
https://members.yogananda-srf.org/donation
International Headquarters
3880 San Rafael Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90065-3219 USA
Service Details
View the current service details below. Sign up for email or text updates to receive notifications of any changes to service schedules or important information.