WILMINGTON — Michael Francis McCartan, master of mystery trips and avid iPad reader, headed to heaven on February 19, 2025, at the age of 80. Mike was born in Binghamton, NY, to Joseph John McCartan and Mary Frances Young on August 21, 1944.
Mike believed in a five-year-repotting plan, and while his final home was Wilmington, NC, Rochester, NY, Pleasantville, NY, Shrewsbury, NJ, and Punta Gorda, FL, all held special memories.
For 53 lucky years, Mike shared life’s journey with his loving wife, Patricia Hoff McCartan. Together they built a legacy of love through their three children: Meghan McCartan, Erin O’Malley (Mike), and Michael Patrick McCartan (Minnie). Considered The Champion by his grandchildren, his role as Grandpa brought him immeasurable pride–teasing, tickling, and loving Emma, Coco, Sydney, Juliette, Maddie, Lily, Kasey, and Gray McCartan. Mike’s brother Jerry and his wife Carole McCartan remain to keep the subtle McCartan wit going.
Mike’s career had four distinct chapters: first, driving a paper truck uphill through 5 feet of snow in Buffalo; second as a Lt. in the US Army; third, as an advertising executive, and finally, as a harbormastor. Mike served his country and his veteran community as a proud member of the American Legion Post #10 Honor Guard, providing dignity and respect at over 300 military funerals.
Mike gifted his family the experience of summers spent sailing on the Long Island Sound, and was most at ease and at peace with his hand on the tiller. Captain Mike and First Mate Pat enjoyed many bareboat cruises in the Caribbean with family.
Mike’s mantras were “Suum quique” (to each his own), that “it’s all a commodity,” and constant encouragement to shoot the puck and score the goal. He invented the Mystery Trip, a family tradition to hop in the car and go explore to a known-only-to-Mike locale. He explored far away lands with Patty, as their travels took them on trips around the world.
Mike was known to be a quiet and steady supporter of his children and grandchildren. He instilled in all of them the importance of staying true to one’s own principles. His genuine soul, Irish wit, and belief that life is all a mystery made him the kind of guy that made you smile when you saw him walk in the room.
The most beautiful mystery was his meeting Pat in 1970. That meeting sparked a 53 year love story. Never were there two people who enjoyed each other’s company more, be it traveling, sailing on Megerical, or enjoying their nightly scotch.
A celebration of Mike’s life will be held at 12:00 Noon, Wednesday, February 26th at St. Therese Catholic Church, 209 South Lumina Ave, Wrightsville Beach, NC. Reception to follow at Eastwood Village Clubhouse, 1312 Two Mile Circle East.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
