Obituary of Thomas J McCaffrey

Thomas Joseph McCaffrey, from Lafayette Hill, PA, passed away on May 5, 2022. Tom was born in Pottsville, PA on March 3, 1923 and was 99 years old at the time of his death. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 65 years, Rita (nee Reddington). Tom and Rita lived in Lafayette Hill for over 50 years where they raised their six children.

Tom was a stoic and quiet man who was deeply loved and cherished by his large family. He is survived by his daughters Kathleen Keating (Brian), Ann Waltman (Doug), Mary Healy, Rita Lusen (Chuck) his sons Joseph McCaffrey (Patti) and John McCaffrey (Lisa), along with his eleven grandchildren, Caroline, Christina, Valerie, Lori, Erin, Lauren, Jennifer, Kaitlyn, Connor, Benjamin, Ryan and great-grandchildren Brianna and Lexi.  He is also survived by his sister Virginia Boyer of Pottsville and her son, Rob Boyer.

He proudly served in WWII in the 7th Army Aircorp as S/Sgt ball turret armorer gunner from 1942-1946 and survived 40 Pacific missions. 

After returning from the service, Tom graduated from the University of Delaware with a chemistry degree and had a long career as a teacher. He retired from North Penn Vocational Technical School in Lansdale.

He loved the outdoors and enjoyed hiking in the woods, fishing, bird-watching, especially hawks, and was among the original runners on the Wissahickon Valley Park bridle path.

Tom enjoyed music, especially classical and church hymns. He was a devout Catholic and was a member of the St Patrick’s Catholic Church choir.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his viewing Thursday, May 12 from 9-10am at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Norristown, PA. Funeral mass at 10am. The Army Color Guard or Honor Guard will present the American flag at St Patrick Cemetery gravesite.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to St Patrick’s Church or WWII Soaring Valor.