Sean McCarthy at his office at the Salem Five Bank in Lynn. Item Photo by Owen O’Rourke
By Michele Durgin
LYNN — Volunteer is a title Sean McCarthy said he wears proudly, even if he is a little hesitant to step into the spotlight himself.
McCarthy, 42, is a loan officer at the Salem Five Bank in Lynn. He is known for his tireless efforts in terms of helping clients as they journey through the difficult process of becoming first time homeowners.
But when the bank closes for the day and most people head home to unwind and enjoy a bit of downtime, McCarthy often heads to a local venue, such as My Brother’s Table or The Arts After Hours office to offer his time and energy to a worthy cause.
“I love helping people, and it’s that simple,” said McCarthy, who is a member of the Lynn Rotary Club. “Whether it’s guiding a young family through the first time home purchase or attending fundraisers to help support the live theater experience within the community, I find it all so rewarding and uplifting.”
McCarthy, who is also a board member and treasurer of Arts After Hours, said he is pleased with the progress that has been made in downtown Lynn and hopes to see it continue.
“There is a great group of people behind this effort and I am just a small part of it all,” he said. “I am so happy to see the development of the downtown area unfold in such a positive way and it’s a pleasure to help out with fundraising efforts. I am proud to be part of such an unbelievable volunteer base that Lynn is known for.”
Rotary Club president Ray Bastarache praised McCarthy and his altruistic spirit.
“Sean is a good man who cares about others,” he said. “He’s got a young family at home, but still manages to find time to help out at community events such as collecting for the Item Santa Fund or volunteering at a fundraiser to help out someone in need.”
And Lynn Housing and Neighborhood Development coordinator Patricia Costa spoke highly of McCarthy and his generous ways.
“Sean’s knowledge of the first time homeowner program has been instrumental in helping new buyers,” she said. “He has gone over and above and is a great asset to our program.”
McCarthy and his wife, Caitlin, 33, a pediatric nurse, are the parents of two sons, Ian, 9, and Griffin, 6. He said he didn’t truly understand the value of volunteering until he was an adult and parent, but he has vivid memories of his grandfather, Richard Carroll, donating his time and energy to the St. Vincent DePaul Society.
“I grew up watching him give back, and I didn’t really see the significance of it. But, as I got older, I realized it was important and I hope I can pass on the desire to help others to my own children,” he said. “It gives me such a wonderful feeling when I think about the people I have been fortunate enough to get to know and help out. It puts it all in perspective when I am able to focus on the needs of someone else. I am grateful for my life and I know I have been blessed.”