The Metropolitan College of New York community shares with great sorrow the passing of Professor Gerard “Jerry” McCarty, a respected emergency management professional, public servant, veteran, and educator. Professor McCarty died on Friday, August 21, 2026, at the age of 77.

Professor McCarty taught in MCNY’s Master of Public Administration in Emergency and Disaster Management program, developed in the aftermath of September 11, 2001, and launched in 2004 as the first graduate-level Emergency and Disaster Management degree program in New York State.

He brought remarkable firsthand experience to MCNY and to his scholars. His career in public service began with the New York City Police Department in 1973, where he served in uniformed and undercover assignments, including the Emergency Service Unit. He later played an important role in establishing the New York City Office of Emergency Management as an independent agency and went on to serve in senior operational leadership positions.

McCarty joined FEMA Region II in 1999. During the World Trade Center disaster, he served as FEMA’s representative to the New York City Office of Emergency Management and later as FEMA’s Deputy Operations Section Chief, helping coordinate the federal response and recovery effort.

In 2004, he joined the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey as Director of Emergency Management, leading emergency preparedness and response efforts across the agency.

Professor McCarty was also an attorney and a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, serving for 33 years, including during the Vietnam War.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to Professor McCarty’s wife, Erika, his family and loved ones, and all who had the privilege of knowing, working with, and learning from him. His contributions to MCNY and to generations of emergency management professionals will be remembered.

A Green Burial Graveside Service will be held on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Cool Spring Natural Cemetery, 901 Cool Spring Lane, Berryville, VA 22611.

Obituary Information: Giffin Funeral Home