Paul Edward McCarthy of Tewksbury, formerly of Burlington, passed away unexpectedly on November 17. He was 71 years old and had just lost the love of his life and soulmate, his beloved wife, Carol McCarthy, this past June.

Paul was born in Cambridge. He was one of six children born to Daniel “Joe” and Mary McCarthy. He grew up in the Winnmere section of Burlington and was surrounded by a great circle of friends. College was not something Paul wished to pursue; instead, he entered the trades and discovered that plastering was where he excelled. He worked for several companies doing both commercial and residential sheetrock and plastering. Eventually, tired of working for others, he founded Mac Plastering, which he operated until 2019.

From the moment Paul and Carol met, they were inseparable. Their trust and love were immeasurable. They loved to travel—whether to New Hampshire, Colorado, or Key West—and simply enjoyed getting away together. But more than the destinations, it was the people they visited that brought them the greatest joy. While Paul had an adventurous side as a youth and young adult, everything changed when he met Carol. She was his spark, his joy, his everything. They shared 40 years of a wonderful marriage. They faced their challenges together, including Carol’s battle with cancer. When Carol passed away in June, a part of Paul passed with her. Many believe that his unexpected passing came from a broken heart. Carol’s dog, Chopper, was a constant reminder of his beloved Carol. Some might have joked that Carol loved Chopper more than Paul—but everyone knew that Paul’s 40-plus years of love and devotion proved he was truly the one she adored.

Paul had simple pleasures. He was a huge music fan, with The Doors being his favorite band. He enjoyed going to music shows and especially loved attending performances by Robby Krieger, the guitarist and co-writer of many of The Doors’ hits. He also cherished meeting his friends—some dating back to childhood—at the Burlington American Legion.

Paul is survived by his siblings: Michael McCarthy and his wife Adrienne of Billerica; David McCarthy and his wife Charlene of Billerica; Donald McCarthy of Woburn; James McCarthy of Nashua, NH and his longtime companion Linda; and Mary Lou Douzepis & her husband Harry of Saco, Maine. He was the brother-in-law of Peter and Lori Schultz of Tewksbury; Nancy Schultz of Townsend; Laura and Joe Lavigne of Waltham; and the late Paul Schultz and late Jeffrey Schultz. He was the uncle of Amy McCarthy and her husband Matthew Gawel; Michelle Nary and her fiancée Eric Howard; Leah Hartung and her husband Cole; Nathan Powers and his fiancée Courtney; Jason Powers; David McCarthy and his wife Amy; Steven McCarthy and his wife Kate; Eric Treem and his wife Sara; Amy Lavigne; Jen Lavigne; and Derek Lavigne. He is also survived by many great-nieces and great-nephews, friends, and his beloved dog, Chopper.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend visitation on Monday, November 24, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., Burlington. A Graveside Service will immediately follow at 1:30 p.m. in Pine Haven Cemetery, Burlington.