Bernard F. McCaffrey

Bernard F. McCaffrey
of Leominster, Marine Vet; 76

LEOMINSTER -- Bernard F. McCaffrey, 76, a lifelong resident of Leominster, passed away Tuesday, March 25, in Saint Vincent Hospital, Worcester.

Bernie was born in Leominster on May 29, 1937, a son of the late Edwin C. and Bernice (Kiernan) McCaffrey. After graduating from Saint Bernard's High School, he proudly served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps. Bernie received his Bachelors Degree in Chemistry from Atlantic Union College and his Masters Degree in Education from Fitchburg State College. He worked for the City of Leominster Water Department and also Advance Coatings Co. in Westminster for many years before starting his own business. Bernie was a member of the North Central Mass. Conference of Football Officials for 40 years, officiating at all levels from Pop Warner to High School. He was an avid ice hockey and tennis player. He was a member of Oak Hill Country Club in Fitchburg.

He was a lifelong parishioner of Saint Leo's Church in Leominster where he served as a Eucharistic Minister.

Bernie had a fondness for Doyle Field; all his life he enjoyed its facilities. He loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

The McCaffrey family would like to extend their most sincere thanks to Bernie's caretakers, especially Linda and Christy, and the Medical Staff at Saint Vincent Hospital.

He leaves his three sons, Bernard McCaffrey, Jr. and his wife, Christine of Scarborough, Maine, Edwin B. McCaffrey and his wife, Maura of West Brookfield, Michael McCaffrey and his wife, Rebecca of Westminster; grandchildren, Kristen McCaffrey, Caitlin McCaffrey, Sarah McCaffrey, Patrick McCaffrey, Connor McCaffrey, Noah Johnson, Abby Johnson, and Sean Patrick McCaffrey; siblings, Edwin K. McCaffrey of Wheaton, Maryland, Maureen McCaffrey of Leominster, Joseph McCaffrey of Berlin, and Brenda Gilhooly and husband, Bob of Leominster; many nieces and nephews.

Bernie was predeceased by his loving wife of 49 years, Donna Lee (Bonner) McCaffrey in March 2013.

McCAFFREY -- The funeral will be held from Brandon Funeral Home, 305 Wanoosnoc Rd., Fitchburg on Monday, March 31, with a Mass in Saint Leo's Church, 108 Main Street, Leominster at 10:00 AM. Burial will follow in Saint Leo's Cemetery. Calling hours will be held on Sunday, March 30, from 2-4 PM in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family request that memorial contributions be made in Bernie's name to the American Heart Association 20 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701 or the Doyle Field Foundation Inc., 200 Mount Laurel Circle, Shirley, MA 01464.