Joseph J. McCaffery

1947 - 2024

News story
By Mark Zaborney
Blade Staff Writer

Joseph J. McCaffery III, a former member of Ottawa Hills council, who owned a steel processing plant and, early this century, a grocery and ice cream shop in Toledo's Warehouse District, died Tuesday at Otterbein Sunset House. He was 76.

He had Lewy body dementia and was in assisted living at Sunset for 2½ years, his daughter, Brooke Rasmus, said.

Mr. McCaffery was a junior social studies teacher in the early 1970s when he was presented the business opportunity to work at Toledo Pickling & Steel Service Inc., among the largest independent steel-treating firms and operated by his then-father-in-law, Lawrence Raskin.

"He was extremely organized, and he was extremely bright, and he did a lot of research," said Leslie Risley, to whom he was married then. "He threw his whole self into learning as much as he could about the steel business."

He already had two degrees from Indiana University - a bachelor's in political science and a master's in education - but furthered his education at Bowling Green State University, from which he received a master of business administration degree.

In 1974 he was among the founders of Toledo Blank Inc. He later became sole owner, president, and chief executive officer. The company produced steel pieces cut to specific sizes and shapes for use by stamping companies.

"He was a scholar and a teacher foremost," said his son, Matt McCaffery, general manager of National Blanking in Toledo, a successor of Toledo Blank owned by Heidtman Steel of Toledo and National Material Co. of Chicago.

"He was a pioneer in the steel blanking business and was into educating his workforce and bringing out people's potential," his son said. Mr. McCaffery sold the business 2003.

A longtime Ottawa Hills resident, he began his service to the village in the early 1980s and for a time was clerk-treasurer. He was appointed to village council in September, 1984, and ran unopposed for the seat that November. Voters returned him to office in elections through the 1980s and into the 1990s.

Jack Straub, a former councilman, recalled his colleague's interest in keeping the village's streets in good condition. He used his business expertise as council considered how to spend village funds.

"He was very helpful in that regard and had a lot of good input," said Mr. Straub, who served 32 years on council. "He as a businessman was a very good voice on village council. Joe was a wonderful guy."

Mr. McCaffery was a former trustee and officer of the Ottawa Hills Foundation.

"He wanted to be an active part of the community," the younger Mr. McCaffery said. "He was an effective leader. That's where the teacher never left him. He was a good communicator and a sharp guy."

He resigned from council in mid-1997, citing the demands of his business.

After he sold Toledo Blank, Mr. McCaffery - who enjoyed philosophical conversation - formed Socrates Cafe Ltd. and opened the Market, a specialty grocery store, and Cold Fusion Creamery, an ice cream shop, on St. Clair Street.

In those heady days, three years after the Toledo Mud Hens moved to Fifth Third Field, he wanted to have a role in the neighborhood's arts and entertainment revival.

"It was a chance to be part of the community downtown," his son said.

As the Market opened in February, 2005, Mr. McCaffery told The Blade, "The intent of this is a New York-style grocery. We want to make it fun, make it cool, but still have good stuff."

Days ahead of the Mud Hens 2005 home opener, he told The Blade: "You can feel the excitement. We expect a dramatic, dramatic increase."

He closed the businesses in June, 2006.

"It was a little before its time," his son said. But he didn't regret the attempt.

"He was always looking ahead to the future, what the next venture would be," he said.

Afterward, Mr. McCaffery managed metal fabricating firms in Houston and Elkhart, Ind., and oversaw a manufacturing operation associated with Goodwill Industries in Fremont.

He was born July 18, 1947, in South Bend, Ind., to Betty Ann and Joseph James McCaffery, Jr. He was a graduate of John Adams High School in South Bend. While in high school and at Indiana University he was drummer in a rock band that opened for national acts touring Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan.

He was devoted to the Beatles and was a big fan of John Lennon in particular.

"Up until the end, that's where his heart and soul lay," his son said.

He'd been a member of Inverness Club and Belmont Country Club. He enjoyed racquet sports and played squash at the Toledo Club. He had a place for a time in Big Sky, Mont., Mrs. Rasmus said, "and he loved going skiing there and being out in the mountains."

He was an a member of Temple-Congregation Shomer Emunim, Sylvania Township.

Surviving are his son, Matthew McCaffery; daughter, Brooke Rasmus, and five grandchildren.

A celebration of life event will be from 3:30-6:30 p.m. Friday at Sylvania Country Club. Arrangements are by Robert H. Wick/Wisniewski Funeral Home.

The family suggests tributes to Hospice of Northwest Ohio.