Thomas Hare McCaffrey

Thomas Hare McCaffreyTom, Caff, Beans, Uncle BuckJanuary 9, 1944- February 26, 2018The most frequent descriptive phrase of his family and friends is “he was always there for you.” If 90% of life is ” just showing up” then Tom could have supported multiple lifetimes. He was generous, thoughtful and protective. He was zany and funny, most often he was unaware of the humor in his interchanges or pronouncements. Tom could be opinionated and in his earlier years somewhat pugnacious, most likely the outcome of defending his name-Hare Aloysius Gonzaga.He was a good husband to Carol Jones, his wife of 46 years who died in 2016. They were a loving team and were committed to their families, particularly their 15 nieces and nephews. They never missed a birthday and shared in most of their life events. During the nieces and nephews cash poor college years, Tom – Uncle Buck -would always stuff a $50 bill into the kids’ pockets as they went out the door on Christmas.Tom and Carol had many old and new friends. Tom’s “golden” friends were the Hellcats who have shared many stories from their early days at St. Bernadette and Monsignor Bonner through present day. Their lively clips truly capture Tom’s “one of a kind” personality and spirit. The enduring friendships are a testimony to the individuals’ sense of loyalty and commitment as well as the uniqueness of Tom’s hometown of Drexel Hill. Tom was a veteran. After graduating from St. Bernard’s College, he was drafted and fought in the Vietnam War. He received five medals and commendations including the Air Medal for meritorious achievement during 25 aerial missions over enemy territory. It was conjectured that his lifelong health issues, which Tom addressed with his matter of fact aplomb, were related to combat environments. After his Army discharge, he served as a probation officer for over twenty-five years, primarily in north Philadelphia. When he retired, Caff played more golf and scored two hole in ones during his career. He played up to the midpoint of his illness while he was still able to hit a great 275 yard drive. Other hobbies included investing, horse betting, reading the dictionary and reading the complete works of Shakespeare. In Tom’s keep it simple words, “If you’re going to read, read the best.”Tom will be greatly missed by his five siblings, Jean Kirkaldie (Louis, deceased), Ed McCaffrey (Kathy Dwyer), Joan O’Mara (Tom), Kas Kennedy (Rick) and Jim McCaffrey and his fifteen nieces and nephews. A Mass is scheduled for 11:00 AM on May 8, 2018 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Malvern. Visitation at the Church is from 10 to 11 AM. The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to Mother of Mercy House, 709 East Allegheny Avenue, Philadelphia PA 19134.