Robert A. Caffrey

NEWTON -- Robert A. Caffrey, 81, died peacefully on Tuesday, Nov.10, 2009, at the New Jersey FiremenÕs Home in Boonton. Born and raised in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., Robert had lived in Green Township before moving to Newton many years ago.

Son of the late James and Edith (Long) Caffrey, Robert was a graduate of the James L. Coughlin High School, Wilkes-Barre, class of 1946. Mr. Caffrey worked many years as a supervisor for the former Darlington Mills of Newton until their closing. Robert retired as a boiler department supervisor with the Ames Rubber Co. of Hamburg after 17 years of service. A life member and former chief of the Newton Fire Department, as well as the Fire Patrol, Bob was also a life member of the Green Township Volunteer Fire Department, the New Jersey Sate Exempt FiremenÕs Association and the New Jersey State Fire Chiefs Association. A life member of the New Jersey State FiremenÕs Home Association, Bob had served as the Sussex County manager for the past 17 years, retiring in October. A life member of the New Jersey State and Sussex County Fire Police, Robert also served two terms as the Sussex County Fire Police Commissioner.

Curator of the Newton Fire Department Museum from 1990 to 2005, Mr. Caffrey was a dedicated and devoted member of his community and state. His tireless efforts will be missed by all who had the privilege to serve with him. A member of the Prime Time Senior Citizens, Robert received the Senior of the Year Award in 1996. A past member and director of both the Broadcasters Drum and Bugle Corp. and the Mariners Color Guard, Mr. Caffrey was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Newton, a fourth degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus, Don Bosco Chapter 7784, Newton, as well as a third degree member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians.

Predeceased by his first wife, Jeanne (Bannon) Caffrey, in 1996, as well as his four brothers, Robert is survived by his wife, Marjorie (VanLuvender) Haycock Caffrey; his sons, Robert J. and Edward A. Caffrey, both of Newton; a stepson, Hal Haycock of Boonton; a daughter, Charlene Nagy of Stillwater; his sister, Evelyn Ellman of Orlando, Fla.; eight grandchildren; four step-grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Saturday at 10 a.m. at the Iliff-Ruggiero Funeral Home, 156 Main Street (Route 206), Newton. Interment will immediately follow in Newton Cemetery. Visitation will be held Friday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m., with fire department services at 8 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Robert A. CaffreyÕs memory to the NJ FiremanÕs Home, 565 Lathrop Ave., Boonton, NJ 07005. Online condolences may be offered through www.iliff-ruggierofuneralhome.com.