Obituary of Joseph-J. McCaffrey

NEW BERN, N.C. -- Joseph James McCaffrey, 79, died Oct. 7, 2008. He was born on March 9, 1929, in Lincoln, N.H., to James Carey and Edith McCaffrey. He was a U.S, Marine Corps veteran of the Korean War and Vietnam War. He received the "Top Gun" designation. He was presented the Bronze Star for leading an assault platoon in the recapture of Vegas Hill in Korea. He was awarded the Purple Heart. He graduated from Keene Teachers College. He was part of the startup of the soccer team and was a basketball player. He was a high school guidance counselor at Havelock High School for more than 19 years, where he coached the tennis team. He was a member of St. Paul Catholic Church in New Bern, and Knights of Columbus. His hobbies included golfing, refereeing sports and buying and selling cars. He truly enjoyed spending time with his extended family and friends. Family members include his wife of 53 years, Mary Ward McCaffrey; a son, Michael McCaffrey; two daughters, Mary Patricia Dorroh, and Terry Moore; four grandchildren; one sister, Joleen Hammel; step-granddaughters; and a great-granddaughter. SERVICES: Calling hours are Friday from 7 to 8 p.m. at Pollock-Best Funeral Home, New Bern. A funeral service will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. at St. Paul Church, New Bern. Burial will follow with full military honors. For more information, go to pollockbest.com