John M. "Jack" McCaffery

McCaffery, John M. (Jack), 92, longtime Bethpage resident passed away on June 12, 2023, surrounded by his family. Beloved husband of 60 years to Mary. Loving father of John (Pamela), Gene (Ellen), Michael (Tina), Patrick (Lesa), Mary Basco (Thomas) and Regina Hackleman (Patrick). Adored grandfather of Christopher, Ryan, Kevin, Madeline, Timothy, Edward, Jack, Matthew, Luke, Owen, Ronan, Liam, Maeve, Sean, Maura, Olivia, August, Charlotte, Mary and Melody. Jack grew up in Southold on the North Fork, the son of Martin and Frances, and predeceased by his siblings Margaret, Ann and Robert. Dear uncle to many nieces and nephews. Devoted friend of Bob and Liz DeBatto.  Jack was a proud 1952 graduate of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point (“USMMA”). Jack graduated from USMMA with a degree in Engineering, and later obtained Master’s Degrees in both Mathematics and Education. Throughout his 40 years in Bethpage School District, John was a passionate Math Teacher, Math Coordinator, Assistant Principal, Director of Technology and Track Coach. In 1987, Jack authored Math I and II textbooks with Silver Burdett Ginn. He was responsible for creating and coding Bethpage’s first computerized student management system. Jack served as 1994’s Grand Marshall of the Bethpage St. Patrick’s Day Parade. He was a Past President and dedicated Vincentian for over 20 years for St. Vincent de Paul Society in Bethpage, receiving the prestigious Caritas Award. Jack was sincerely “one-of-a-kind”; he was easy-going, kind, loving and humble. Helping people fed his soul and he supported many people in need and charitable causes throughout his life and career.  Jack had a love for fishing which he shared with his children and grandchildren. Many memories were made surf-casting from the beach and fishing on the family rowboat out of Southold.  Mary and Jack met in the Grand Canyon starting a 60-year love affair.  After settling in Bethpage, Jack and Mary were blessed with many children and grandchildren, and Jack remained a devoted husband, father and grandfather throughout his life. The world is truly a better place because Jack was in it. His unparalleled devotion to charity is a true inspiration. Jack touched many hearts throughout his life, and his memory will be cherished forever.  The family will receive visitors Wednesday, 2-4 and 7-9 pm at Arthur F. White Funeral Home, Inc., 234 Broadway, Bethpage. Funeral Mass Thursday, 10 am at St. Martin of Tours RC Church. Interment following at St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Southold. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Jack’s memory to St. Vincent de Paul Society; 249 Broadway, Bethpage, 11714.