Richard C. McCafferty, 65, of Kittanning passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, September 27, 2011 at his residence.
He was born on September 18, 1946 in Kittanning, PA to Charles T. “Ted” McCafferty and Margaret E. “Betty” (Buzard) McCafferty.
Richard lived in Kittanning his entire life and graduated from Kittanning High School in 1964 before attending the Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He honorably served his country in the US Navy during the Vietnam War and afterward was stationed in Japan. Richard formerly worked at the Pittsburgh and Shawmut Railroad Company, but was most recently employed as a supervisor at the U.S. Postal Service Bulk Mail Center in Wexford before retiring approximately five years ago.
He was very involved in local organizations and was the Past Exalted Ruler of the BPOE Elks Lodge in Kittanning and the Past Commander of the Rural Valley American Legion. Richard was also a member of St. Mary, Our Lady of Guadalupe Church.
Because Richard believed in putting others first, he volunteered many hours at the Armstrong County Memorial Hospital. He made many people’s day a little brighter by working in the gift shop and delivering interdepartmental mail. Making people laugh was one of Richard’s many gifts, and those who knew him were familiar with his playful sense of humor. Family was extremely important to Richard, and he was the caregiver for his mother.
Watching sports were one of Richard’s many hobbies, and he was a dedicated Steelers fan. Reading was another of his favorite pastimes, as were traveling and golfing. All who knew him will always remember his gentle, giving and fun-loving spirit, and his legacy will live on in the happy memories he leaves behind.
He will be deeply missed by his mother; loving wife of 36 years, Mary Margaret “Peggy” McCafferty, who he married August 9, 1975; sister, Patricia Forringer and husband Thomas, of Kittanning; nephews, William F. Heigley, III and wife Julie, Christopher Todd Heigley and wife Amy, and Bradley Forringer and wife Angela; niece, Brooke Forringer; several great nieces and nephews; one of his best friends, brother-in-law, Bill Heigley, Jr.; mother-in-law, Edna Heigley; and his golden retriever, Buddy.
Richard was preceded in death by his father on October 17, 2005.
Friends will be received from 2-4 PM and 7-9 PM on Thursday, September 29, 2011 at the Bauer Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc. in Kittanning, where an elks service will be held at 7 PM by the Kittanning Elks Lodge #203.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 AM on Friday, September 30, 2011, at St. Mary, Our Lady Guadalupe Church, 101 W. High St., Kittanning, PA, with Rev. Daniel Blout as celebrant.
Interment will be in Lawn Haven Burial Estates, East Franklin Twp., Armstrong Co., where the Armstrong County American Legion Honor Guard will conduct full military honors.
Memorial contributions may be made in Richard’s honor to the Armstrong County Memorial Hospital Foundation, One Nolte Drive, Kittanning, PA 16201.
To view a video tribute honoring Richard’s life or send an online condolence to the family, visit www.bauerfuneral.com.