Edward F. Caffrey, Jr., 63, died Tuesday, March 6, 2012, at his home in Oley, Pa.
Born in Oreland, Pa., he is the oldest son of Edward F. Caffrey, Sr. of Marmora, N.J., and the late Mary V.(Sullivan) Caffrey.
He is survived by his wife, Rosemary J. (Danks) Caffrey of Oley, Pa.; a daughter, Jeannine, wife of Anthony Jacobs, of Allen, Texas; a daughter, Joan, of Newport, R.I.; a son, Sean, husband of Angela, of Tampa, Fla.; grandsons Ryan and Noah Jacobs of Allen, Texas; sisters Margaret Sullivan of Mystic, Conn., and Suzanne Bryce of Ocean City, N.J.; and brothers Thomas of Moorestown, N.J., and Eugene of Medford, N.J.
Captain Caffrey retired from the U.S. Navy in 2001 after 30 years of proudly serving our country. He was a carrier naval aviator flying the E2-C Hawkeye. He had the privilege of commanding VAW 121, VAW 120, and Airborne Early Warning Wing Atlantic. During his tenure as Commodore, he established the VAW/VRC Memorial Scholarship Fund to honor fallen aviators.
His other duties included Navigation Officer aboard the USS John F. Kennedy, deployed to the Red Sea in support of Operations Desert Shield/Storm; Chief of Staff to the USS George Washington, deployed to the Med/Persian Gulf; and Joint Military Operations Department Faculty Director, Naval Operational Planner Course, at the Naval War College in Newport, R.I.
Following his naval career, Ed worked as Director of Operations at Valley Forge Military Academy and as Business Development Leader at Engineered Arresting Systems Corporation.
Ed was a graduate of Bishop McDevitt High School in 1966. He earned a B.S. in Finance from La Salle College in 1970 and an M.A. in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College, College of Naval Warfare in Newport, R.I., in 1998.
A viewing will be held at Lutz Funeral Home, Inc., 2100 Perkiomen Ave., Reading, PA 19606 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, March 11, 2012. On Monday, March 12, 2012, Ed's Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St Catharine of Siena Catholic Church, 4975 Boyertown Pike (Rt. 562), Reading, PA 19606. Mass will begin at 10:30 a.m. with viewing prior to the Mass at 9 a.m. The burial will take place at Arlington National Cemetery at 11 a.m. on April 2, 2012.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to VAW/VRC Memorial Scholarship Fund, PO Box 15322, Norfolk, VA 23511-0322, http://www.vaw-vrc-memorialfund.org/Home.html; or Astra Zeneca Hope Lodge, 110 W. Laurel Avenue, Cheltenham, PA 19012.
Arrangements are made by Lutz Funeral Home Inc., Mount Penn, Pa. For online condolences, please visit www.lutzfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
A bit late but heartfelt, none the less. Today, I learned of Ed's death. He was a great high school classmate and wonderful person. I reached out today in an attempt to connect with him. I am so sorry I missed the opportunity. My sincere condolences. Ed Urban, McDevitt/66-LaSalle/74
Ed Urban
December 3, 2012
I am saddened to learned of the passing of Captain Caffrey this past spring. I knew him when he was the Chief of Staff for the George Washington Battle Group. He was a good man and a fine officer. It was a privilege to have served with him.
YN1(AW) (ret) Joe Mattingly
July 31, 2012
As President and on behalf of the entire membership of the Keystone Chapter of AUVSI, please accept our condolences upon the death of Ed. He was one of our founding members and served in a leadership capacity as our first Secretary until his illness prevented him from doing so. He fulfilled his obligations with efficiency and dedication and his contributions to the organization will be genuinely missed. His warmth and personality helped shape the character of the group and his humor provided us with moments of fond reflection. His memory will be honored with a moment of silence at our April meeting. He will always be a part of our future.
Tom Ciesielka
April 19, 2012
Rosemary,
Amy and I just learned of Ed's passing and we want to convey our deepest condolences. Ed and Mark Milliken are the reason I am still in the Navy and Amy and I will never forget the love and kindness that we felt as members of the Bluetail Wardroom under Ed's and your leadership. It was wonderful to see you again in Newport and to have Ed come down for my Change of Command in 2003. The Hawkeye Community has lost one of its best, but his legacy will live on. I am truly humbled to have served with Ed, and I wish you, Jeannine, Joanie, and Sean all of the best. You were blessed with a wonderful husband and father, and those of us that were mentored by him are better Officers because of him. We will surely miss him. God Bless.
Eric and Amy Gardner
April 14, 2012
I took care of the Captain's gear when he was the Commodore at NAS Norfolk. I remember him being a bit scary (I was an E-4)but also fun as he joked around with me. My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time.
Penny Jones - PR2 (AW)
Penny Jones
April 4, 2012
Rosemary,
We are so sorry to hear of Ed's passing. We will always hold fond memories of the times we spent together, especially everything the two of you did for the E 2 community. Out prayers are with you.
Jack and Shelley Frazier
April 1, 2012
Rosemary,
I first met Ed when he was Handler on the Saratoga you both graciously hosted all of us Tigertails who ventured south from Norfolk during our many workup underways. He was a great man, officer, and friend and we will miss him.
Kevin and Pam McCarthy
March 26, 2012
To the entire family,
We here in Virginia Beach are thinking so much about you and are anxious to see you soon. Jeannine's Dad was one of the cool Dad's we never minded hanging out with and we are missing him with you. We send all our love and have hugs waiting for you in DC.
With our deep sympathy,
Annette, Susan and our families.
Annette and Monty Hilliard
March 15, 2012
Dear Rosemary,
Bud and I would like to extend our sympathy for the passing of your husband. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Sent with love, Bud and Kate Baker
Bud and Kate Baker
March 13, 2012
My most heartfelt condolences to the entire Caffrey family. The Commodore was highly respected and the entire Hawkeye/Greyhound community has lost a good man. God Bless you Rosemary and the entire family.
Tom Magno
March 13, 2012
I am sorry for the passing of Ed - gone way too soon - I went to high school with Ed and always thought he was one of the nice guys. I send my sincere sympath to his family; and hope that your fond memories sustain you.
Kathy Bradley Montrey
Bishop McDevitt Class of 1966
Kathy (Bradley) Montrey
March 13, 2012
As a fellow graduate of Ed's from Bishop McDevitt's H.S. Class of 1966, I send sincere condolences to his family at this difficult time. As time passes, may all your memories of him bring a smile to you lips. I'm sure he's smiling down on you now, soaring with those big fluffy wings that he's earned...
Sincerely, Judy Fletcher Edwards
Bishop McDevitt Class of '66
Judy Fletcher Edwards
March 12, 2012
It was a privilege to work with Ed at ESCO-Zodiac Aerospace. His sense of humor brought a smile to my face whenever we spoke. It was a joy to go golfing with him and listen to his stories of life. You will be missed my friend.
Rod Strong
March 12, 2012
Rosemary: I am priveledged to have known you and Ed from our brief time at HUP. Your strength, faith, and composure have been inspirational to me, and I am so sorry for your loss. Ed, rest well, kind and gentle man.
james bereznak
March 11, 2012
Rosemary,
Eileen and I are deeply saddened by your loss. We have always had the greatest respect for you and the Commodore. Seems like just yesterday that we saw you guys in the garden as we ran by your house near Sea Shore State Park. Praying for you and your family,
Steve and Eileen Faggert
Steve Faggert
March 11, 2012
Rosemary, I am so sorry to hear about Ed's passing. You both were so strong through it all with such a profound faith. Know that he is in the arms of Jesus and Mary now and no longer in any pain. I know he will watch over you and your family. Becky Stover
Becky Stover
March 11, 2012
Uncle Ed,Rosemary and family,
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
May God comfort your hearts until you see Ed again in Heaven.
While he was one of the "big boys" of the Sullivan cousins, my memories of him start when he was beginning the great adventure that was his adult life. How exciting it was to see "Eddie" and "Ro" step through our front door following their wedding reception at Casa Conti! They changed into their "going away" clothes and left for their honeymoon; to my seven-year-old eyes they were as fabulous as JFK and Jackie!
Through the years I have always been proud and thankful to know he so nobly served our country.
Son,brother,husband,father,grandfather,friend and Patriot; surely the Lord will say "Well done, my good and faithful servant."
Ann Marie (Adams) Valaika
March 11, 2012
Rosemary, Betsy and I were saddened to hear of Skipper Caffrey's passing. It seems like just yesterday when I had the pleasure of last seeing you at the Hook '09 Convention. Ed was my first commanding officer and I have no doubt that I stayed in the Navy for 25 years because of my first tour in the Bluetails. Betsy and I have always had very fond memories of serving with you and Ed. You will remain in our thoughts and prayers.
Rich and Betsy Wood
March 11, 2012
Rosemary, You and your family are in our heart and in our prayers. The struggle is over. May you know God's peace. Blessings, Bob and Jeanine Breault
Jeanine Breault
March 10, 2012
Dear Rosemary
My sympathies to you and your family. He fought hard for the last few months. My prayers with you continue and thanksgiving that his suffering has ended.
Stephanie Arentz
March 10, 2012
Rosemary,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss and my most heartfelt sympathy goes out to you and your family. Ed was a great leader, a great man and a great friend and mentor. More than anyone else I served under in the Navy, Ed shaped the course of my life. I will miss him profoundly.
Michael Greene
March 10, 2012
Love and prayers for the whole family. Fair winds and following seas mate. Heavy Montgomery (Falling Waters, WV)
March 10, 2012
Rosemary, mom (Dale) just told me. Prayers are with you from all.
Love, Bj, Elisabeth and Baby Mark
bill shade jr
March 10, 2012
Rosemary, I will always remember Ed as fighting for what was best for the E-2 Community, which was for the betterment of the CVW's and the Navy, as a whole. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family . . . God Bless. Mark and Valerie Klauss
Mark Klauss
March 10, 2012
It was a true honor to know and serve with such a fine officer and aviator. God bless you all.
Mark Lichtenstein
March 10, 2012
10MAR12.0726
To Rosemary and his family, I offer my very sincere and deepest condolences on Captain Caffrey's passing, and echo what our Chaplain (Albert McGinn) says. Captain Caffrey was the Navigator on "Big John" when I moved up to Navigation and became the Navigation Yeoman. He was a good man in every way, and I am very honored and proud to have served with him, and to have worked for him. Rest in peace Sir. Shipmate, your earthly voyage has come to an end.
TCAMGB (Take care and may God Bless).
Very Respectfully,
Bob Haner, YN1, USN (Ret.)
President, USS JFK Association
JFK (88-92)
Bob Haner
March 10, 2012
Dear Rosemary and family,
Ed was a great navigator for me on Kennedy. We were always in the middle of the channel. As in the last line of the wonderful poem "High Flight" Ed has now "reached out and touched the face of God".
May god bless Ed and you at this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Phil Gay
March 10, 2012
Fair winds and following seas Commodore!
CDR Kevin Sayer
March 9, 2012
To The Family of Capt. (RET) Edward F. Caffrey:
On behalf of Capt.Caffrey's shipmates of the USS JOHN F. KENNEDY Association, I offer you our deepest sympathies. His name will be read at a memorial service to be held at the next reunion in 2013 in Providence. He served our country and the U.S. Navy with distinction and for this we are all grateful. Farewell dear shipmate and God speed.
Sincerely,
MSgt.(RET) Albert McGinn, USAF
Chaplain, USS JFK ASSOCIATION
Plank Owner, USS JFK (1968-70)
[email protected]
Albert McGinn
March 9, 2012
God Bless You Commodore. You were a great leader and aviator. Soar with the Angels!
CAPT Neil May USN ( Ret.)
March 9, 2012
Rosemary, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. The Commodore was a stalwart of the Hawkeye community and a great mentor and friend to countless CO's, XO's and Department Heads. His support when we lost the crew of AC 602 was essential to getting the Seahawks back on the step. It was an honor to serve with him! I am sorry I can not be there for his Mass on Monday. We will be there for the service at Arlington. With deepest sympathy, Bill & Sharon McCarthy
Bill McCarthy
March 9, 2012
Dearest Rosemary, children and family. We are so sorry for your pain and sorrow. Please know that we honor him and his service to our country and for being a loving husband, father and friend. He will always be by your side as you go on in life, allow yourself to feel his comfort. Prayers for strength for the time ahead.
Polly & Jerry Lambe
March 9, 2012
Dear Jeannine, we are so sorry for your loss, we will keep your family and you in our prayers
Fred and Nancy Pun
March 9, 2012
Uncle Ed, Rosemary and family, we are so sorry to learn of the loss of Ed. We'll always remember his kind and gentle way. He touched many lives in big ways and small, and we are honored to be a part of your extended family. Love, prayers and deepest sympathy.
Judy & Mike Braverman and family
Judy Braverman
March 9, 2012
Joanie, your dad was an amazing person. All our love to you, Seany, Jeannine, your mom and Pop Pop. XOXO
Kate and David Sparks
March 9, 2012
Joan, my thoughts are prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Sharon Gilbert, Warwick, RI
March 9, 2012
Rosemary and family, please accept my deepest sympathies. Ed was one of those role models we always looked up to. His memory will live on for many years to come.
Paul Baszner
March 9, 2012
Ed Caffrey was a great boss and an outstanding leader and a gentleman. I owe him a lot. I loved working for him-and he was a great teacher of what was important and what was not. Please accept my sincere condolences. If its any consolation-I am one of the literally hundreds of people who are better for his having been involved with my life.
Martin Church
March 9, 2012
Fair winds and following seas Skipper.
Steve Ramsey
March 9, 2012
Rosemary, I am so sorry for your loss. Ed was a terrific person. He was a great Naval Officer and Pilot, one of the best. I learned so much from him and I never would have made it without him. He made America a much safer place. I wish we had more officers like him. You have Cindy and my greatest sympathy and prayers. He will always be a Hawkeye pilot! Boggs Ryan
Bob Ryan
March 9, 2012
We enjoyed the too few times spending time with Ed and his Family. Our prayers go out to your Family, especially to Ed Sr. and Rosemary. My deepest respect to a comrade at arms who served our country with distinction. Grant and Nokko
March 9, 2012
A Great Officer, Great Pilot, Great guy, and a wonderful family man. I will always treasure our JO time together in 113. Our thoughts and prayers to Rosemary and kids. The Rickmans
Loy Rickman
March 9, 2012
Rosemary,
Our heartfelt thoughts and continued prayers go out to you and your family. Ed's generosity of his time and talents deposited much in the many lives he touched through out his highly decorated Naval career, and personally in ours during his time at ESCO-Zodiac Aerospace. May the joy of the Lord continue to be your strength, as you (and your family) mourn Ed's passing and celebrate his abundant life. ~~Kristin and T Lad
Kristin & T Lad Webb
March 9, 2012
ED was an awesome individual and will be missed.... Bernadette
March 9, 2012
Ed had a big and warm heart.
I will always keep him in my memories as one of the kindest and most caring people I've had the honor to meet.
Rest in peace, Ed!
My wife and I are very sorry for your loss. We will keep him in our thoughts and prayers.
Rumen Petrov
March 9, 2012
Rosemary, You and your family have our deepest sympathy. He was a Great American and a Great Leader. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Pete and Rosemarie Burrell
March 9, 2012
Rosemary, I am so saddened to read that Capt. Caffrey passed away. I will never forget your kindness and support during our husband's deployments. Prayers being said for you and your family.
Cindy Ryan
March 9, 2012
Ed was a terrific human being. We got to know him at his short stint at Egan Sign shortly after his military retirement. We all enjoyed his stories of military life and we very much respected him as a leader. Our sincere condolences. Bob Egan
Bob Egan
March 9, 2012
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