WESTFIELD- Carroll John McGorty (Cal), 93, died peacefully in his home in Westfield MA on April 15, 2016. Born in Springfield MA on April 27, 1922, to Rollin and Effie McGorty, Cal and his sister Shirley spent their childhood in upstate New York. After graduating from Amenia New York High School, he served in the U.S. Army during WWII as a tank commander in the 4th Armored Division under Gen. George Patton. He was awarded the Purple Heart Medal for wounds received in combat when his tank was attacked. While being flown to an Army hospital in England, he was shot down by enemy troops and had emergency surgery in a tent in France. Immediately back into combat, his battalion was on the front lines defeating Germany and liberating Czechoslovakia, and was awarded the Presidential Citation.
Cal was a talented artist and one of his first art assignments was to paint the company B mascot “Bugs Bunny” on the tanks. Following his military service he graduated from Vesper George School of Art in Boston. Cal pursued a career in art and graphic design. He was the Director of Design and Development for Warner Brothers Packaging in Bridgeport, CT. that merged with Rexham Corp. from which he retired in 1987. During his career, he was awarded for his achievements in packaging design from accounts such as Clairol, for designing hair color boxes that took color printing to a new level of precise color matching, and Poloroid for inventing packaging that extended the expiration date of film. He was also instrumental in developing the design of the bar code that is now used on most packaging. After retiring, Cal followed his passion for art by painting watercolor and oil paintings to sell out of his barn that he converted into an art gallery in Granville, MA, where he had owned a home for over 50 years and raised 4 children by his first wife. He loved Granville and was active in community events including the annual Harvest Fair, where the art gallery was transformed with fall festivities of cider making and gospel bands. Through the gallery he made friends from all over the Country who proudly collect his work.
Cal married Anne Wischan in 1983. They lived in Milford CT. and commuted to Granville on weekends.
Cal was also passionate about Bible study and was active in several churches including most recently the Sratford (CT) Baptist Church. He had a strong faith in God and maintained a scholarly study of the Bible. Many friends looked to him for spiritual guidance. He also continued working as a business consultant to friends and family – including assisting with marketing for his son Daniel in his music store in Westfield and providing the art and design for his daughter’s start up magazine, the Real Estate Guide for Martha’s Vineyard. Cal was well loved with a great sense of humor. He will be missed by many. He is pre-deceased by his son Jeremy McGorty of Webster, NY. He is survived by his sister; Shirley Lucia of Southwick, MA, wife; Anne McGorty of Westfield MA, son; David McGorty & wife Carlene of Holliston MA, son; Daniel McGorty & wife Patti of Granville MA, daughter in law; Bonnie McGorty of Webster NY, daughter; Ruth McGorty of Martha’s Vineyard, MA, Grandchildren; Jason McGorty & wife Cristina of Medford MA, Ryan McGorty of San Diego CA, Jonathan McGorty, Matthew McGorty (wife Mimi) & Timothy McGorty of Charlotte NC, Melissa Anthony of Detroit MI (husband James) Christina Tyler (husband Wyatt) of Southwick MA, Nathan McGorty & Joshua McGorty of Granville MA, Kevin McGorty of Boston, MA, Erin McGorty of Webster NY Great grandchildren: Carmela & Valentina McGorty, Daniel & Rayna McGorty, Cordelia & Lyle Anthony, Wesley Tyler. In lieu of flowers, donations are welcomed on his behalf to the Granville Art Cultural Council. To celebrate Cal’s life, a Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, April 17, 2016 beginning at 1:30 p.m. at Avalon Life Celebration Center & Cremation Services, LLC, 691 College Hwy., Southwick, MA. Burial will follow in Woodlands Cemetery Granville, MA. To share a memory or express a condolence to the family please visit Cal’s Life Tribute page at www.avaloncelebrations.com
