David Michael Mccarthy

David Michael McCarthy passed away on November 8, 2024, in Tampa, Florida, at the age of 83. He was born in Boston, Massachusetts, to the late Charles and Frances McCarthy.

Dave is survived by his devoted wife of 43 years, Janice McCarthy, and their entertaining cat, Tati. Also surviving are his three nephews, Mark McCarthy of Parrish, FL, Dan McCarthy of Eden, UT and Michael Flanagan of Warren, VT. He was preceded in death by his brother, Charles McCarthy of St. Petersburg, FL, and Carol Swansburge of Boston, MA.

For over four decades, Dave dedicated his life to teaching others the joys and responsibilities of scuba diving. Known affectionately by his students as “Safety Dave,” he was deeply respected for his careful and thorough approach. He earned the U.S. Coast Guard captain’s title of OUPV for a 6-passenger boat and later as captain of the snorkel boat in Looe Keys Marine Sanctuary, he upgraded to a 50 ton captain’s license. His students enjoyed cave dives, night dives as well as sunken boats such as the RMS Wreck of Rhone in the British Verigin Islands. He and Janice dived at Sharm El-Sheikh in the Red Sea in addition to the Puerto Rican islands and the vast Caribbean.  Dave would not rent diving gear or allow a diver on a dive trip he guided to take a spear gun for shooting fish in the ocean he loved.

Remembered for his dedication, intelligence, and warm-heartedness, Dave was a compassionate soul who brought laughter and joy to those around him. and the world he so eagerly explored.

Both Dave and Janice are members of Emanuel United Church of Christ of Sebring.

Arrangements entrusted to:
Stephenson-Nelson Funeral Home
4001 Sebring Parkway
Sebring, FL 33870