MSG Ryan Christopher McCarthy
October 29, 1989 ~ December 1, 2024
Resided in:
Spring Lake, North Carolina
WEBSITE VERSION
North Carolina – Ryan McCarthy, 35, of Belgrade Lakes, Maine, passed away on December 1st, 2024, at Fort Liberty, North Carolina.
Born on October 29th, 1989 in Hartford, Connecticut, Ryan was the son of Fredrick McCarthy and Wendy (Kaufman) McCarthy. He graduated from Messalonskee High School in Oakland, Maine in 2008.
A Master Sergeant in the United States Army Special Forces, Ryan joined the Army at the age of 18 in 2008 as a Combat Engineer. Ryan’s military career was truly his calling. He displayed fierce determination and competitive spirit, seizing every opportunity to achieve excellence. Despite a long list of accolades, awards, and honors, Ryan always remained humble. He left a lasting impression as a fearless leader and mentor on all with whom he served.
Ryan started his Army career assigned to the 7th Engineer Battalion at Fort Drum, New York, where he deployed to Nasiriyah, Iraq and Wardak Province, Afghanistan. In 2013, Ryan was assigned to the 70th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division at Fort Wainwright, Alaska. He was then assigned to Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, in 2015 where he served as an instructor at the Sapper Leader Course for two years. Ryan was recognized as the U.S. Army Noncommissioned Officer of the Year in 2017. He moved to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, in 2017 where he served with the 307th Engineer Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division. In 2019, MSG McCarthy attended Special Forces Assessment and Selection. He graduated from the Special Forces Qualification Course as a Special Forces Engineer Sergeant in 2021 and was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne). Master Sergeant McCarthy deployed to Jordan and Qatar as the Special Forces Operations Sergeant on SFOD-A 3112 in 2023.
Master Sergeant McCarthy’s awards and decorations include the Combat Action Badge, Special Forces Tab, Ranger Tab, Sapper Tab, Military Free Fall Parachutist Badge, Senior Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, Sergeant Audie Murphy Award, Steel de Fleury Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (3rd award), Army Commendation Medal (15th award), and Army Achievement Medal (10th award).
Ryan’s favorite thing to do was play any type of sport imaginable with his two sons (and three dogs) in their front yard. He loved coaching them in tee ball and hockey. Ryan’s passion for sports went well beyond simply playing sports, as he could recall statistics from any league dating back to 1900. His most treasured memories include summering in Belgrade Lakes, Maine as a child, his marriage to Emily in 2014 on Abena Shores, and spending time with his closest family and friends on the lake.
Ryan’s friends and family will always fondly remember the joy and laughter he brought to their lives, whether he was around the campfire, having a dance party in the garage, or grilling up a new Southern Living recipe.
Ryan is survived by his wife, Emily, and sons Lincoln (8) and Callaghan (6); his parents Ted McCarthy and Wendy Kaufman McCarthy; sister Taylor and brother-in-law Andrew Gildein; niece Reese (5), and nephews Harrison (3) and Tucker (1); grandfather Colonel (Retired) Raymond Kaufman Jr. and grandmother Loretta Kaufman; as well as many loving aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Visiting hours will be held on Friday, December 13th from 4-7pm at Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home of South Portland, 1024 Broadway. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, December 14th at 10:00am at Saint Peter Roman Catholic Church, 72 Federal Street, followed by a Celebration of Life at The Portland Club, 156 State St, Portland from 12:00pm to 2:00pm. Burial will be held in the spring.
In lieu of flowers. donations may be made in Ryan’s memory to the Special Forces Charitable Trust or Special Operations Warrior Foundation.
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You’ve blessed my life Ryan. It’s been a privilege to love you and I always will. You’ve made a difference for a great many people and left your mark on this world. I couldn’t be more proud of the man you grew up to be. Sending my deepest condolences to Emily, your boys, Taylor and your Mom. We will take care of each other and keep your memory alive.
Ryan is my nephew and also my God Son.
A sweet and sensitive boy that grew to be an incredibly strong, brave, tenacious, smart man with a wonderful laugh.
Mom telling me she was pregnant with you and crying happy tears.
Ryan was truly one of the best men I’ve ever known—strong, caring, and someone who made a profound impact on my life. My kids thought of him as “Uncle Ryan and always looked forward him coming to the house.
I’ll always cherish the good times we shared, brother.
When Ryan and I were squad leaders, we learned that a new platoon sergeant was joining us. In a bid to assert our leadership, we devised a plan to create the illusion that we didn’t like each other. This charade lasted for a couple of weeks.
He decided to invite the platoon sergeant to go golfing, and to his surprise, he accepted. However, when he arrived and saw that i was part of the team, he remarked, “I thought you two hated each other.” He then revealed that he had been seriously considering moving us to different platoons.
I love you brother, I’ll see you again.
Ryan was a beautiful soul that helped many. Although I met him briefly, I will always remember him with love and gratitude.
Take this beautiful soul, Lord. Eternal rest grant unto him, let your perpetual light shine upon him.
Bibiana Herrero
Lauren’s mother-in-law
Ryan, may your light continue shining in the spirit and in the memories of all you helped.
A man who deserved his peace by providing it for so many others.
I served with him for 2 years as a Junior team leader, he was my platoon Sergeant. Ryan McCarthy is one of the most devout, true, capable, and heroic Americans. He taught me to be the man I am today. His memory will be shared through generations of my family.
I am so sorry for this devastating loss of Ryan to your family. You are all in my thoughts and prayers today and always. 🙏❤️
Thanks for all the mentorship, friendship and gudiance brother Rest Easy💯 73rd En Co
I met Ryan the 2017 Army Best Warrior (NCO of the Year) competition at A.P. Hill, VA. Then I had the pleasure of seeing him again here at Fort Bragg, NC.
My deepest condolences to the McCarthy and to Emily, Lincoln and Callaghan. God bless you all. He was a stand up guy and incredible human being.
A loving father/husband and incredible Soldier. We will miss bro!
His tenacious spirit
Rest East Brother
Ryan was my Squad leader back when I first got to Wainwright back in 13’. He was a hardass and mean, at first, but then he and I bonded and became friends. He always wanted the best for me and he made me a better man. I thought he out of everyone would live to be 130 years old. He was one of the greatest men I’ve ever met and that walked this earth. He was the definition of a pure and genuine combat engineer! God gained a new sapper, the best one of us all.
Take this beautiful soul, Lord. Eternal rest grant unto him, let your perpetual light shine upon him.
Friend and fellow hockey player.
He had an infectious smile. He would change a rooms mood just by smiling.
He was a strong team leader, good soldier and all around good person.
I am sorry he left us so soon. He will be missed.
Worked with him in the army
Ryan and I began to work as patrolling instructors together at the Sapper Leader Course. We studied the material together. He laughed and made me laugh all the time. He was the first person to take me duck hunting. It was a blast. He was a gift in my life that I will always cherish
A kind stud who knew how to make me laugh and feel like I had a friend
My sincerest condolences to all Ryan’s family members and close friends. His grandmother Lorry and grandfather Roy are very close friends of mine and they informed me of his passing.
Most of my memories of Ryan was when he was quite young and I was living Litchfield in a house that had many games in the basement. His grandfather Ray
would bring Ryan, his sister and
cousins to enjoy playing the games. It was a lot of fun. Over the years I only had a couple of other contacts with Ryan. However, his proud grandparents would always keep me up to date.
Taylor, I am so very sorry to you and your family for your loss. Sending so much love and prayers during this time to you all.
Joan Caffrey
Taylor, I am so sorry for the loss of your brother. I am sending so much love and prayer to you and your family.
Joan Caffrey
Me and Ryan were at Ft Drim Together and served in Iraq together #RECON
Love you Brother! Rest easy!
Man still can’t believe your Gone Ry Ry although we didn’t keep in touch often after leaving Ft Drum I always followed your career So proud of everything you accomplish brother we deployed together and we will always be brothers!! I’ll never forget our time together Rest easy Brother! #RECON
Emily, Lincoln and Callahan may you always remember how loved you were and find some comfort in that love
He is my nephew
He was the most voracious eater as a toddler
To Ryan’s loved ones,
HI, I’m Kara and I share a mutual friend of Ryan. I never met Ryan, but only heard of him through our shared friend at a time when she reached out to share of his heroism. His courage and heart left an indelible mark on my life. When the stakes were high on a global and personal level and many hesitated, Ryan stepped forward, answering the call to serve on the front lines. His bravery gave me strength during a time when I desperately needed it.
Though we never met, Ryan’s selflessness made a profound impact on me. I’m deeply saddened to hear of his passing, and I’m sorry for never having the chance to thank him in person.
Please know that my heart goes out to Ryan’s family and friends. I hope you find comfort in knowing that his legacy lives on, inspiring others and impacting those he never even knew – I’m sure his impact is far greater on those who loved him dearly. May Ryan rest in peace.
With love and gratitude,
Kara B
Thinking of Ryan’s family in this difficult time…Essayons
My son was in the same unit and tells me stories about Ryan and his commitment to his unit and the Army.
Ryan mentored me through many challenges in my life, and always made sure I was okay. Ryan will be in my heart forever.
Deepest condolences from The Crain Family. 🙏
I am having a hard time finding the words to express my feelings. I am in complete shock and my heart is so broken for Emily and the boys. I am sending my thoughts, prayers and love.
Find peace
To Emily, the Mattos & McCarthy families,
We are the parents of one of Ryan’s Belgrade friends. Over the years, we have had the pleasure of watching these youngsters grow into terrific adults & parents.There are no words that can be said to convey our sincere condolences, other than we are so very sorry. Wishing you all love, strength, & peace as you navigate the days ahead.
Had the honor of serving as Ryan’s company commander when we were deployed to Afghanistan in 2010-2011. I lost touch with Ryan but ran into him again in August 2018 at the Engineer Ball in DC…where he was being recognized by the entire senior Engineer community for his earning the NCO of the Year award for the entire Army. What a moment to find out that someone you knew as a young Private would become such an accomplished NCO. Proud to have known Ryan and proud to have served along side him. He will be remembered fondly by all those he touched.
Ryan was very loved and we were so proud of him . RIP
Love to Emily & boys ❤️
He was a loving father who was very involved in his sons Cal and Lincolns lives. He was very proud of their achievements and was so happy to hear about their progress in class. He will be greatly missed.
There are many memories, but this one gave me a laugh as I look through all the pictures I have of him. Our families took a bike ride through Denali mountains
Sapper Buddy
Life of the party
Sending love and prayers.
Friends and served together
I love you brother
His passion, drive and motivation.
Ryan is remembered with love as a vibrant part of our neighborhood – block parties, street hockey and the bus stop!
His legacy to me is that he was by far the best soldier I ever met. He could and did everything the Army could throw at him, at even the very highest levels.
He was as a kind and caring person. I talked to some that went on that Afghanistan tour in 2011. They told me how Ryan was there shoulder to lean on when they were down. How he would always answer and give an ear to listen. How he would always be a voice of reason for them and show them that there’s always a better day ahead.
The fact that I never once in over 3 years of serving with him and a tour in Afghanistan. I never once heard him say he couldn’t do it. That is for work related reasons and personal friend reasons.
At the time in Fort Drum Ryan really loved his FJ Toyota suv. He would tinker with and take out mudding. He loved being outdoors and having fun.
He helped any and everyone that he could. Whether it was work related or personal. He would go out his way to lend a helping hand and would never shy away from helping because there was obstacles or difficulties. If you needed his help. He was there rain, sleet, snow no matter what. He’s as solid as a person could be.
He was Caring, Approachable, Helpful, Determined, Dedicated and just an awesome person to be around.
He has his quirks and was always ready to have a laugh, whether at your expense or his.
I loved his attitude and the way he always made you feel like what you say or how you feel really matters.
He was really good at being a soldier, mentor and friend.
listen to music. Have a good time and go out or just hang out.
I miss you brother and hope you are watching over me and your loved ones. It was truly an honor to serve with you. To be someone I called my friend and not just someone i worked with. Is a honor i will always cherish and hold dear to my heart.
He was just such an inspiration and taught me that if you try hard enough. You show some dedication and determination anything is possible.
He was just a special person and kind soul. Everyone liked him, he was super approachable and tried to related to everyone, so as to not make anyone feel left out.
One time after having a good time in Syracuse. The night was pretty much over and Ryan being Ryan. He went outside to my car and opened all doors. Turned my radio on and started dancing in the parking lot. Then we went back to base and the music and dancing continued for 2.2 minutes. I look back in the room and he’s sleeping on my bed lol.
His kindness, his helpfulness and his willingness to help his peers.
One of my earliest memories was when Ryan was a E4 specialist and took me to another soldiers house and we drank and had a good. This was maybe only after a month actually knowing and hanging out with him out of work.
He was one of the most determined and talented people i’ve ever known. He accomplished pretty much every top accolade you can in the military. As a former soldier I look at some of his accomplishments in the Army and I am in awe but not surprised. Ranger/Sapper/Special Forces are all amazing achievements. But there are multiple soldiers yearly achieving those accolades. The ones that really stand out to me that are just astonishing are the NCO of the year award and Audie Murphy Award. There is just one of those giving out yearly. Once again I am in awe but not surprised because it’s Ryan.
It saddens me to give condolences to his family, friends and anyone else that had the privilege of sharing this world with such an amazing soul. My prayers and thoughts go out to those affected by this tragedy. With support and hopefulness that you can find solace or some type of comfort in this trying time.
lol I remember one time me and Ryan had drove from Fort Drum to Boston. I had to bring him to South Station in Boston so he could take a train to Maine. We get to South Station and he’s sleeping with a dip in his mouth. I prank him and slam on the brakes like we are going to crash. He shuts up from his sleep swallows half his dip and starts laughing. Some could have gotten mad, but Ryan was just such a great soul.
If I had to describe Ryan in 1 word. The word that first comes to mind is Great. He was a Great friend, a Great soldier, a Great leader, a Great mentor and just genuinely a Great person.
Ryan was one of my friends not just a co-worker. We’ve spent many of times out of work hanging out and being young soldiers together. From the very beginning, even as a young E4 he would always be an active supporter. He would always tell me that I could always do better and achieve more. To me he was the epitome of a Friend, Soldier, Leader and Inspiration.
I had the privilege and honor to serve with Ryan for 3 year’s at Fort Drum N.Y. When both deployed to Afghanistan in 2011-2012. We were both in 3rd Platoon (Punishers). So I was lucky enough to serve my whole tour with Ryan.
Ive been struggling on what to say on here… Words just dont seem like they can convey the way Ryan made you feel when you were around him. I had just got out of basic training and was stationed at Ft. Drum and had just found out we were deploying. Ryan was my team lead. He was an amazing leader. He knew how to pull the strings of the people around him to make them better soldiers and better people. He was funny and I looked up to him. I drove him a lot in Afghanistan and we had a lot of conversations.. about 99% I could never repeat. I can count on one hand the leaders that left lasting impressions on me and that I truly respected. Ryan was one of them. When Ryan was around you knew he was going to get you home. I loved seeing his progression through life and his career. I am proud to have known him and served under him.
I have no doubt for us Engineers at least, that the personal conversations, as a junior Soldier we once were, to climbing up the ladder. I too was inducted into the prestigious Audie Murphy Club as a junior NCO, Represented a Post as NCO of the year, all that jazz. Every thing I saw in you looking back. wasn’t until I retired that the sentiments of Soldiers not even under my care, like Ryan, who would reach out, when I least expect it, to say Thank You.
I was a Senior Non Commissioned Officer in Ryan’s sister unit 642nd, 7th Engineer Battalion Fort Drum.
A Leader of Soldiers.
Sending love and care and certainly my prayers on the days ahead. Sappers Forward.
Ryan was great man and he had a unique talent for uplifting everyone around him. I’ll always be grateful for the time I spent with him.
Rest In Peace Soldier.
A Fellow Veteran.
From the Shay family we sendnoir deepest condolences.
Loving memories with my beautiful grandbabies!
My heart is broken. My Q course battle buddy. I laugh out loud when I think of the memories, but now they also bring tears. It’s been some years, but knowing your presence isn’t something I can enjoy on this earth again one day truly saddens me. My prayers go out to your beautiful family – I remember soccer on the front lawn with Lincoln, Cal, and the dogs. You were such a great man, fierce warrior, incredible leader, and a brother to many. Rest in peace Ryan.