A Celebration of Life for Thomas (Tom) R. McCarthy, 73, of Chamberlain will be Saturday, November 1, 2025 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. with a time of sharing at 2:30 p.m. at the Hickey Funeral Chapel in Chamberlain, SD.

Fellowship and sharing to follow at Charly's Restaurant in Chamberlain.

Thomas (Tom) Raymond McCarthy, age 73, of Chamberlain, South Dakota, passed away following an accident at his home in early October 2025.

Tom was born in Burke, South Dakota, on March 4, 1952, to Michael and Cecelia (Czapla) McCarthy and grew up surrounded by his five sisters. He graduated from Burke High School in 1970, where he was affectionately (though not fondly) nicknamed "Greaser." After high school, he attended Southern State College in Springfield, where he studied Autobody Repair and Restoration.

After completing his studies, Tom moved to Chamberlain, South Dakota. In addition to being a talented technician, Tom was the best uncle anyone could ask for. He loved to help his nieces and nephews "walk on the ceiling" and always brought laughter and fun to family gatherings. He drove the coolest car — a red and white Starsky and Hutch Gran Torino — and made sure everyone knew there were to be no shenanigans around it!

Tom had a quick wit and an unforgettable laugh. He lived life to the fullest, whether spending time on the river in his boat or heading to Deadwood for some gambling, oysters, and good company. Family and friends alike knew it was going to be a fun time when Tom was around.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Michael and Cecelia McCarthy; his sisters Rita McCarthy and Regina Hoffman; brother-in-law Paul Hoffman of Omaha, NE; brother-in-law Randy Heermann; nephews Ryan and Schaen Heermann of Burke, SD; niece Pallas (Hoffman) Stuart of Omaha, NE; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He is survived by his sisters Joan (Ralph) Lunn of Burke, SD; Marilyn Heermann of Burke, SD; and Karen Kayl of Mitchell, SD; his special friend Beth Schochenmaier of Chamberlain and her daughters Cindy Stewart of Sioux Falls, SD, and Tanya Gruntmeir of Arlington, SD; grandkids Riley and Sidney Stewart and Caley Gruntmeir; nieces Sheila (Hoffman) Daley of Omaha, NE; Celesta (Lunn) Dobesh of Rapid City, SD; Tracy Hoffman of Omaha, NE; Bobbie Jo (Kayl) Kurtenbach of Mitchell, SD; Cecelia (Lunn) Hosford of Burke, SD; and Crystal (Hoffman) Newson of Omaha, NE; nephews Paris Hoffman of Omaha, NE; Conrad Lunn of Burke, SD; Cory Lunn of Brookings, SD; and Clifford Kayl of Mitchell, SD; along with many great-nieces, great-nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews.

Tom will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.