Obituary of John G. McCaffrey

John G. McCaffrey, age 81, of Covington, PA, died at his residence on Sunday, January 4, 2009. Born on March 26, 1927 in Baltimore, MD, and raised in Manhasset, NY, he was the son of the late George and Vitus (Galvin) McCaffrey. Mr. McCaffrey was a graduate of the Merchant Marine Academy at King's Point in 1948 and traveled all over the world in that service. Later he served with honor as a Lieutenant, J.G., in the U.S Navy, stationed in the Pacific. Following his discharge from service, he was an engineer with Combustion Engineering in New York. He designed and built a replica of a 17th century New England farmhouse, which was featured in various publications. He was an FAA certified private pilot and a member of the Raritan Yacht Club for many years. He piloted his own hot air balloon. His father was the chief accountant for the 1939 World's Fair in New York. His great grandfather was known as the "Hay King" and was the President of the Mercantile Feed and Grain Exchange in Pittsburgh in the late 1800s. Throughout his life, Mr. McCaffrey had a great affection for animals and nature and devoted time to the care and enjoyment of both. He extended that care to humans when he served as a member of the Martinsville Rescue Squad. He was an avid reader across a wide range of topics, and was interested in sharing the knowledge he gained. Mr. McCaffrey is survived by his four children, Michael J. McCaffrey of Union Twp., NJ, Thomas McCaffrey of Lebanon, NJ, Marianne Gehman of Nazareth, PA, and Lisa Carden of Whitehouse, NJ. Also surviving are his former wife, Janet Freeh McCaffrey of Lebanon, NJ, niece, Linda Lawrence of Manhasset, NY, and 10 grand children. The Jacquelyn A. Buckheit Funeral Chapel, Crematory & Monuments, PC, 637 South Main Street, Mansfield, PA, is assisting the family. www.buckheitfcandcrematory.com