Obituary of Robert J Caffrey

Robert J. Caffrey, PhD - a kind and generous man, loving husband, devoted father and supportive friend who enjoyed to laugh and make others laugh - passed away at the age of 84 on July 31, 2018 at his home in Manchester, CT.   A fierce proponent of the virtues of family, friendship, learning and education, Bob dedicated his life to these pursuits.

The son of George H. Caffrey and Mary Agnes “Molly” Scanlon Caffrey of Meriden, CT, as a young man Bob, worked his way through Boston College, graduating with a BS in Economics in 1956 and immediately entered The U.S. Naval Officer Candidate School.  He married Mary Lou McLaughlin on July 26, 1958 and together they raised and educated their five children- Bob, Thomas, Mary Kate, Beth and Peggy.  Having served faithfully and honorably, Bob retired from the U.S. Navy on July 20, 1994 with the rank of Commander. He spent his leisure time volunteering for various Catholic organizations and local Democratic candidates, watching Boston College football games and traveling locally and worldwide. Bob went on to earn an MS from University of Hartford and a PhD. from University of Connecticut.  Bob was Assistant Director of Education at ITT Hartford until his retirement from that organization.  Prior to that, he worked at Hartford Steam Boiler. Bob was adjunct faculty at Central Connecticut State University and Saint Joseph’s College. 

Bob is survived by: his wife Mary Lou McLaughlin Caffrey; his children - Bob and Karen Caffrey (Manchester, CT), Thomas Caffrey and Alberto Nascimento (Quincy, MA) ,  Mary Kate “Kate” Caffrey and Brigid O’Connor (Belmont, MA), Beth Caffrey (Manchester, CT) and Peggy Caffrey (Madison, CT); his grandson Eamon O’Connor Caffrey; his siblings Carroll and Jean Caffrey (Guilford, CT), Joan Caffrey (Meriden, CT), and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.   He is pre-deceased by his parents and siblings George and Josephine Caffrey and Lois Caffrey.

Calling hours will be Friday, August 3rd from 6 - 8 PM at John F. Tierney Funeral Home, 219 West Center Street, Manchester, CT.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, August 4th at 10 AM at St. Patrick - St. Anthony Church 285 Church Street, Hartford, CT.  In lieu of flowers, please send donations to: Lewy Body Dementia Association,912 Killian Hill Rd. , S.W. Lilburn, GA 30047 ; Manchester Scholarship Foundation , 20 Hartford Rd. ,Manchester, CT 06040; or Franciscan Center for Urban Ministry, 285 Church St., Hartford, CT 06103. For online condolences please visit www.tierneyfuneralhome.com.