August 5, 1934 – January 28, 2023
George B. McCaffrey, loving husband, father, and grandfather, of The Hills, Texas, passed away Saturday, January 28, 2023, at the age of 88. He brought smiles and laughter to any room he entered and was a friend to everyone he met.
George B. McCaffrey was born 8/5/1934 in Pittsburgh, PA. He was the youngest of two children born to Anna Casey and George B. McCaffrey. He grew up Pittsburgh, PA, and graduated from Villanova University in Philadelphia, PA. with a pre-law degree. After graduating, he joined the U.S. Navy, and during his years of service, married Irmgarde L. Lersch (Irma), Oct. 4, 1958, and moved to Coronado, CA. After leaving the Navy in 1959, they moved back to the east coast where he attend Georgetown University Law School. He left the program due to illness and began a career full of adventure and great friendships.
George had a love of sports from a young age. One of his fondest memories from childhood was, at 14, he and his buddies took a 40-mile round trip bike ride to Butler, PA for fun. They topped off the adventure by jumping off the roof of a tin garage. He played basketball in high school and was a loyal Villanova basketball fan until the end. In football, it was Pittsburgh Steelers all the way. He would stay up late at night to watch his favorite teams play and provide endless commentary the next day.
George and Irma had four children, Michael, Kimberly, Sharon, and Patrick. His career took them across the US, to WA, PA, CA, and overseas to Saudi Arabia. Upon returning to the US, the couple lived in IL and MA and a final stint overseas in Hong Kong. They returned to the US, settling in The Hills, TX, where he retired from his 27 year career at Bechtel. Once in Texas, he focused on his golf, where he succeeded in hitting 3 holes-in-one!
George valued people and built long-lasting friendships everywhere he went. He was generous, kind and welcomed everyone into his family. Friends from across the globe would come visit wherever the couple lived, and they would entertain and celebrate the good times together. The friendships they developed at The Hills continued this tradition. He and Irma would attend monthly Tuesday night dinners and ballroom dancing together. George organized a weekly golf-group and was part of a poker group that played together for over 20 years.
George is preceded in death by his parents, Anna McCaffrey and George B. McCaffrey, his sister Connie Martin, and his wife Irmgarde McCaffrey. He is survived by his four children: Michael and his fiancé Deirdre, Kimberly and her wife Rhonda, Sharon and her husband Andy, and Patrick; and nine grandchildren: Morgan, Rachael, Marsden, Michelle, Finn, Gage, Ryan, Georgia-Ann, and Archie.
George was a joyful, loyal and a generous friend to everyone. He lived life fully and loved gathering with friends and family. He was a role model of how to love the ones you’re with and live life with love and laughter. We will miss you and carry you in our hearts always!
Services: Memorial Mass to be held at Emmaus Catholic Church, Lakeway TX. Feb. 27 10:00 am. Followed by a Celebration of life at The Hills Country Club, 11:30 am - 1:30 pm.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to MD Anderson, in memory of George. Donate at gifts.mdanderson.org
