Donald Wans McCarthy

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McCarthy, Donald Wans age 95 of Edina died January 5, 2018. He was born in Minneapolis to Dr. Donald and Carolyn (Beach) McCarthy, graduated in 1940 from Blake School and in June 1943 from the US Naval Academy. He then was assigned to the USS Owen (DD536) -destroyer- serving with the Third and Fifth Fleets (Task Force 38 & 58) for the duration of WWII - participating in 9 major naval engagements. Was awarded the Commendation Ribbon for his participation in the sinking of an enemy large destroyer off San Bernardino Strait (Philippines). Upon conclusion of WWII he was assigned to the USS Glennon (DD840) - a destroyer- of which he served as Gunnery Officer, Executive Officer and Captain. In 1947 transferred to the USS Philippine Sea (CV 47) - a large aircraft carrier. Resigned from the Navy in 1948 and commenced work for NSP (predecessor of Xcel Energy in the upper Midwest). In 1951 he was recalled by the Navy during the Korean War and was Captain of the USS Jubilant (AM255), a minesweeper. He returned to NSP in 1953 and held various management responsibilities in Minneapolis and North Dakota. Elected a Vice-President in 1969, Executive Vice President in 1973, President and Chief Executive Officer in 1976, and Chairman and CEO in 1978. Retired in 1988 and named Chairman Emeritus. From 1988 to 1991 he served as a nuclear consultant to Martin Marietta. During his career he was active in many civic and industry organizations, including serving as Chairman of the United Way Campaign, President of the Viking Council of the Boy Scouts, Chairman of the Minneapolis Urban Coalition, and charter member of the Minnesota Business Partnership and the Project for Corporate Responsibility. He served on the Boards of Abbott-Northwestern Hospital, Minneapolis Chamber of Commerce, Junior Achievement, the Minnesota Science Museum, the Minnesota Orchestra, the Freshwater Society, the Citizen League and the Minneapolis Downtown Council. McCarthy was a past director of Norwest Corporation, Northwestern National Life Insurance, Edison Electric Institute, the Electric Power Research Institute, and McQuay-Prefex Co. Don's outgoing and gregarious personality, his deep care and affection for people, and his steadfast moral compass have endeared him to everyone who has had the pleasure of knowing him. Don is preceded in death by his wife of over 60 years, Anne Leslie McCarthy. He is survived by four children: Donald Jr. (Carolyn) of Tucson, AZ; Peter (Donna) of Mendota Heights, MN; Thomas (Darlene) of Medina, MN; and Jill of Golden, CO; six grandchildren: Deborah (Jason) Fields; David; Nicholas (Mary); Courtney; Andrew (Jackie) Brand; and Adam Brand; and four great grandchildren: Adeline; Edwin; Anna; and Abigail. Don also leaves behind a dear friend and Naval devotee, Carroll Brooks. The family deeply appreciates the doctors, nurses, and staff at Friendship Village of Bloomington and Abbott Northwestern Hospital for their expert and loving care during his final days. Memorial service pending. Private interment at Lakewood Cemetery. Memorials to Blake School, the Northern Star Council Boys Scouts of America, Hennepin Avenue Methodist Church, or donor's choice.

Published on January 11, 2018