Francis M. McCaffrey, 94, of Marstons Mills, formally of Worcester, died peacefully Thursday, August 13, 2009 at St. Vincent Hospital in Worcester surrounded by his family. He is now reunited with his wife, Doris (Darling), who was the love of his life for 62 years.
A loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather, he was born on December 15, 1914, the son of Michael and Anne McCaffrey. He leaves his two daughters, Jean P. and her husband, Timothy J. Josti, Sr. of Spencer, MA and Gail J. and her husband, John C. Woodcock Jr. of Griswold, CT. He also leaves his four grandchildren of whom he was very proud: Mark E. Woodcock and his wife, Suzanna of Central Village, CT, Jo-Ann L. Flynn and her husband, Zachary of Griswold, CT, Timothy J. Josti, Jr. and his wife, Tamara of East Brookfield, MA and Heather A. Josti of Coronado, CA.
“Great-Grampie Mac” will be truly missed by his six great-grandchildren Mariah Lin, Kiley Lyn, Ryan John, Kieran McCaffrey, Cody James and Logan Michael. Time shared with them gave him great joy. He leaves a goddaughter, Michelle Adams of Sutton and a dear friend, Helen Lucier of Auburn. He was predeceased by his brother, James, his sister, Mary and best friend, Norman Lucier.
Francis was educated at St Peter’s Elementary School, Worcester until he began to work and assist his family. At age 26, he joined the US Army and served as an automotive mechanic. During World War II, he took part in campaigns in Naples-Foggia, Rome-Arno, No Apennines, and Po Valley. Francis was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, American Defense Service Medal and European African Middle Eastern Theater Campaign Ribbon. In 1948, Francis joined the Worcester Fire Department as their first civilian mechanic. He worked for the department for 33 years, including service as Chief Mechanic. In 1981, fulfilling a dream, he retired to Cape Cod with Doris. Together they spent 27 years enjoying weekends on Sandy Neck Beach in their camper. Francis was an avid sportsman into his 90’s, sharing his love of ocean fishing with his four grandchildren. He also fished freshwater and ice. He hunted in MA and VT sharing many of these trips with his best friend, Norman, and later Doris. Francis enjoyed time spent with his neighbors who will greatly miss him. He belonged to the Worcester Striper Club and remained a member of the Massachusetts Beach Buggy Association. He was a member of Our Lady of Victory Parish in Centerville, MA.
We would like to thank the staff of St. Vincent’s Pulmonary Care Unit for their care and support in making his last days comfortable.
The funeral will be held Monday, August 17 from J. HENRI MORIN & SON Funeral Home, 23 Maple Terr., Spencer with a Mass at 10:00 am in Our Lady of the Rosary Church, 7 Church Street, Spencer. Burial with Military Honors will be in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. Calling hours are Sunday from 3:00-6:00 PM. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund, R.I. Branch, 2374 Post Road, Suite 203, Warwick, R.I., 02886