David McCarthy, 65, of Leesburg, VA, died Monday, Dec. 10, 2012, in Leesburg. Mr. McCarthy was born Oct. 12, 1947, in Boston, MA.

 He grew up all over the United States being the eldest son of a U.S. Marine Colonel. He received a master’s degree in public health from the University of Illinois in 1975 and a bachelor’s degree in Latin American History in 1971 from Northern Illinois University. While serving in the Peace Corps as a health educator, he provided continuing education and training to an indigenous population in Guatemala promoting water safety and use. For 23 years, he worked for Management Sciences for Health (MSH), a nonprofit organization based out of Boston, helping many people in need in Latin America and Africa.  After retiring in 2007, he volunteered with local organizations to help protect the natural resources and land of Loudoun County. One of these organizations was Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve in Leesburg where he assisted with bird banding and water monitoring, among other projects. He received an award for his outstanding volunteer work in 2011. Mr. McCarthy was a true outdoorsman, explorer of nature and a passionate bird watcher. He was a compassionate and caring man. He enjoyed making people laugh and his sense of humor left a lasting impression on all of us.

Mr. McCarthy is survived by his beloved wife of 26 years, Monica F. McCarthy, of Leesburg; a son: Pablo Roberto McCarthy (and Andrea) of Fairfax, VA; his parents: Edward R. and Mary M. Mahoney McCarthy, of Holden, MA; five siblings: Christine Welby, of Portsmouth, RI, Richard McCarthy, of St. Paul, Mi, Katharine A. McCarthy, of Manchester, CT, Anne F. McCarthy, of Atlanta, GA, Virginia Bassler, of North Attleboro, MA; and a host of other relatives and friends.

The family received friends Dec. 14. A Mass of Christian Burial is set for 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 15, at St. John the Apostle Catholic Church, Chapel of the Immaculate Conception, 231 North King Street, in Leesburg. Interment will be in St. John’s Cemetery, Leesburg.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Friends of Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve, 21085 The Woods Road, Leesburg, VA 20175.

Online condolences may be made at www.LoudounFuneralChapel.com.