1930
Robert
2026
Robert Joseph McCarthy
January 11, 1930 — January 20, 2026
Savannah
Robert McCarthy (Bob) passed away peacefully on January 20, 2026.
He is survived by his wife of seventy years and the love of his life, Mary; his daughter, Molly; his sons, Matthew and Kevin; his grandchildren, Alex and Kalob; and the many friends and colleagues who were fortunate to know him.
Bob was born in Chicago in 1930 and grew up in Wheaton, Illinois. He attended Bradley University and served in the United States Army from 1951 to 1953. After his military no v, he returned to the Chicagoland area, where he began a successful career in advertising and media sales.
In 1953, Bob met Mary Blesius, who became his wife and lifelong partner. He sold advertising for radio stations in the Chicago area, later opened the first ESPN sales office
in the Midwest, and went on to work for Financial News Network (FNN), which became CNBC, until his retirement.
Bob was an avid golfer, tennis player, skier, and sailor, proudly crewing in fifteen Mackinac races over nearly twenty years. He and Mary later retired to The Landings on Skidaway Island, Georgia where Bob continued selling advertising for The TWATL into his 90’s. Known as an exuberant couple and often the life of the party, they formed many lasting friendships.
Bob will be remembered for his energy, warmth, and love of people.
A memorial service will be held on Monday, January 26, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at St. James Catholic Church (8412 Whitfield Ave, Savannah, GA 31406).
He is survived by his wife of seventy years and the love of his life, Mary; his daughter, Molly; his sons, Matthew and Kevin; his grandchildren, Alex and Kalob; and the many friends and colleagues who were fortunate to know him.
Bob was born in Chicago in 1930 and grew up in Wheaton, Illinois. He attended Bradley University and served in the United States Army from 1951 to 1953. After his military no v, he returned to the Chicagoland area, where he began a successful career in advertising and media sales.
In 1953, Bob met Mary Blesius, who became his wife and lifelong partner. He sold advertising for radio stations in the Chicago area, later opened the first ESPN sales office
in the Midwest, and went on to work for Financial News Network (FNN), which became CNBC, until his retirement.
Bob was an avid golfer, tennis player, skier, and sailor, proudly crewing in fifteen Mackinac races over nearly twenty years. He and Mary later retired to The Landings on Skidaway Island, Georgia where Bob continued selling advertising for The TWATL into his 90’s. Known as an exuberant couple and often the life of the party, they formed many lasting friendships.
Bob will be remembered for his energy, warmth, and love of people.
A memorial service will be held on Monday, January 26, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at St. James Catholic Church (8412 Whitfield Ave, Savannah, GA 31406).
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Robert Joseph McCarthy, please visit our flower store.
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