WALLINGFORD - Ross Edwin McCarthy, age 88, passed away peacefully after a brief illness in Geneva New York on September 12. Born June 10, 1923 in Clifton Springs to Ross and Gladys McCarthy, he was a graduate of Phelps High School and Hartwick College. Ross received his M.S.W. from the University at Buffalo, where he met his beloved wife of 40 years (and fellow social worker) Barbara Kaiser of Brooklyn, New York. Ross was a longtime resident of Wallingford, CT for and served others throughout his working life as a psychiatric social worker employed by Family Services of New Haven, the UConn School of Social Work, the Milford Mental Health Clinic, and in private practice. Ross volunteered for the U.S. Army during World War II where he served on a mortar crew in the Pacific and attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. Ross will be remembered for his kind, intelligent and humorous spirit, as well as his love for his family and friends. His many interests included baseball (especially the St. Louis Cardinals), basketball, golf, politics, bridge, and his pets. He traced his roots to Millstreet, Ireland and was fond of Irish music and jazz. For many years Ross was active in the Wallingford Senior Center, and the Cheshire Senior Center. Survivors include his son Robert McCarthy and wife Nina of Geneva, New York; and his daughter Christine and husband Peter McMorris of West Hartford, Connecticut. He leaves behind five treasured grandchildren: Daniel McCarthy and wife Dana; Katelin McCarthy, Caroline McCarthy, Lauren Elmore, and Devlin McMorris. Ross was predeceased by his wife Barbara, as well as by the companion of his later years, Geraldine Roberts of Cheshire, CT, and his sister Alice Linehan of Clifton Springs, NY. Relatives and friends may call on Saturday, October 22, 2011 from 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM at the B. C. Bailey Funeral Home, 273 S. Elm St, Wallingford. A Memorial Service will follow at 10:30 am in the funeral home. Interment will follow at In Memoriam Cemetery.