Mark McCarthy, 58, died peacefully near the Giants' ballpark a few days before the Season Opener.

He grew up in Saratoga, 8 ^th of the 10 children of Leonard and Janet McCarthy, attending Sacred Heart Elementary, Mitty High, De Anza College, Humboldt State and San Jose State University, graduating with a BA in Creative Arts.  He enjoyed playing the saxophone (including in the bands at Mitty and SJSU) and acted in numerous theatre performances.

He enjoyed playing, watching, reading, and writing about most sports, and could always recall statistics and events from the Giants, Forty Niners, Raiders, Cal Bears, Sharks and Warriors history.  Mark loved to draw, especially images of people, and sold his designs on emblems, t-shirts, and such. Mark explored the U. S. A., embarking on Greyhound and Amtrak trips across the country.  Unique among his experiences were being shaken not only by the 6.9 magnitude 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, but also the 5.8 magnitude 2011 earthquake in Washington, D. C.

Schizophrenia made Mark's adult life tough.  Mark often would have a period of time where he was able to live a seemingly normal life, managing his life and at times working a job.  Such a phase often then was interrupted by bouts of mental confusion and paranoia, which affected him both physically and emotionally, and led to a complete disruption of his life.  Medications often helped, but frequently had detrimental side effects.  Recovery from these phases included Mark living in a rehabilitation center, or a group home, and he also was often homeless.

He is survived by siblings Joe (wife Sue, deceased), Deel, Tim (Cynthia Porter), Maureen Donohoe (Pat), Phil (Paula), Rosemary (Eric Purviance), Tom (Maria Simeone-McCarthy), Ted (Gina), sister-in-law Zoe Cordova-McCarthy, numerous nieces, nephews and grand nieces and nephews, and many New Mexico cousins and Aunt. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Pat.

Mark most of all enjoyed family gatherings, including breaking out the card deck for a game of challenge.  Mark had a sweet and gentle nature, was loved by so many and will be sorely missed.

A funeral Mass will be held at Sacred Heart Church, 13716 Saratoga Avenue, Saratoga, on Friday June 18, 2021 at 2 PM, to be followed by burial at Madronia Cemetery, 14766 Oak Street, Saratoga.

In Lieu of Flowers, please make donations to:  Mark F. McCarthy Memorial Scholarship, San Jose State University, University Advancement, One Washington Square, San Jose, CA 95192-0184; contact (408) 924-1120 or advancement@sjsu.edu ; or a charity of your choice.