Robert J. Caffrey

Robert J. Caffrey ObituaryRobert J. Caffrey, 97, a current Shrewsbury resident and former longtime Red Bank resident, passed away peacefully on May 22, 2025 at Monmouth Medical Center. Bob was born in Superior, Wisconsin to the late Joseph and Ruth Caffrey (Kahl) on September 21, 1927.
Bob's odyssey began at age 16 when he joined the U.S. Merchant Marine on the Great Lakes, starting as a coal passer then advancing to an oiler. As soon as he turned 17, Bob enlisted in the U.S. Navy in December 1944 at USNTC, Great Lakes, Illinois. While in the Navy he rose to the rank of Electricians Mate, 3 rd Class. He served admirably in the Philippines, initially at the Ship Repair Base 3864 on Manicani Island from October 1945 to March 1946, after which he was transferred to the minesweeper, U.S.S. YMS 368 in March 1946 in Subic Bay. He served there briefly and was then honorably discharged.
When Bob returned to the States, he rejoined the Merchant Marines. It wasn't long though before he decided that military service was his life's calling, so Bob enlisted, this time in the U.S. Army in June 1948. Shortly thereafter he was assigned to post-war Japan where he received training within the Signal Corps Division. Japan served as both his assignment and as a base for his deployment to other spots in the Pacific. From Japan, Bob was next deployed to Korea in 1950-51 where he was responsible for establishing and maintaining communication
services across miles of mountainous terrain. After Korea, Bob returned to Japan. After Japan, he was assigned to several U.S. bases, continuing with the Signal Corp. When another conflict arose, Bob was deployed to Thailand (1964) and on to Vietnam (1965). Upon completion of that tour, Bob again returned to the States for his last assignment at Fort Monmouth. Bob Caffrey was officially discharged in 1968 at the rank of Master Sergeant, thus completing 20 years of honorable service in the Signal Corp. During his service he received numerous commendations and medals and was awarded two bronze stars (Korea & Vietnam).
Following his military career, Bob worked in government contracting for Bendix, Allied Signal and Honeywell in Eatontown, exhibiting there the same work ethic he developed in the military.
It was also Bob's mission in life to care for his family and others around him. He had joined the Merchant Marines during the Depression, in part, to help support his family, and that support continued through much of his Naval and Army career. Together with his wife, Setsuko, he raised 4 children, each of whom graduated college. If a friend needed something, Bob was there. He will also always be remembered for his great lifetime love of dogs, the 2 feral cats he adopted, and the many, many birds and squirrels who anxiously awaited feeding time in his
backyard.
When Bob returned to Japan from Korea, he was fortunate to meet the love of his life, Setsuko Toyono. They celebrated 72 years of marriage, 4 children, and many moves and address changes across Japan and the United States. Bob is survived by Setsuko, their 4 children, Kathleen Schmerler (Jay) of Rumson, Barbara Albers (Tom) of Lakewood Ranch, FL, Patricia Adochio (Robert) of Red Bank, and Robert T. (Bob) of Simpsonville, SC. He also leaves his 5 grandchildren, Jamie (David), Michael (Allison), Alison (Rob), Kristie (Michael), RJ (Selena),
his 6 great-grandchildren, Liam, Remy, Austin, Addison, Teagan and Ryder, and by loving nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Joseph, his sisters, Helen and Mary, as well as a grandson, James.
Visiting will be on Wednesday from 10 am until noon at the Fiore-Buckley Funeral Home, 236 Monmouth Road in Oakhurst, Ocean Township. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Bob's memory may be made to the Monmouth County SPCA or the Associated Humane Societies, Tinton Falls. For condolences, please visit www.fiorefuneralhomes.com.
Robert J. Caffrey, 97, a current Shrewsbury resident and former longtime Red Bank resident, passed away peacefully on May 22, 2025 at Monmouth Medical Center. Bob was born in Superior, Wisconsin to the late Joseph and Ruth Caffrey (Kahl) on September 21, 1927.
Bob's odyssey began at age 16 when he joined the U.S. Merchant Marine on the Gre