Joseph E. Mccaffrey

Joseph E. McCaffrey RUTLAND — Joseph Edmund McCaffrey, age 55, of Rutland, Vermont, died July 16, 2023. He had underlying health problems and struggled with addiction. He was beloved by his family and many friends. Joe was born in Burlington, Vermont, the son of Rita Whalen McCaffrey and the late Hon. Francis B. McCaffrey. He graduated from Rutland High School in 1986 and Vermont Academy in 1987. His previous employment was with Cross Insurance Co. in Bangor, Maine. Affectionately known as “Hootner,” Joe had a heart larger than life and was always there willing to help. Joe was a great and beloved teammate. At Rutland High School, he was recognized with awards as a standout, multi-sport athlete, including as a Vermont State Champion in track; a 1986 USA Today Vermont Athlete of the Year, and was the 1986 recipient of the Ralph Sawyer Sportsmanship Award at graduation. While at VT Academy, he was honored as the 1987 Most Valuable Player in Basketball and Track and with the 1987 Greatest Contribution to Athletics award. His tremendous passion for current sporting events showed through his personal performance and as an encyclopedia of sports trivia: he remembered dates, times, statistics, and infinite details. Throughout his life, he shared these memories with those whom he coached and instructed in track and basketball and all through the years, at family and high school gatherings. As one friend shared, “there was no better storyteller than Joe. He could remember details and times from our childhood, late nights playing hoops and side-yard tag football games at his home on Harvard Street.” He also was a devoted follower of the band, The Grateful Dead, knowing the lyrics to every song. Joe will be dearly missed by his beloved and loving son, Shea Morrison McCaffrey of Hinesburg, VT whom he cared for as a “stay at home Dad” during Shea’s first two years of life; his devoted mother, Rita Whalen McCaffrey of Weston and Rutland, VT; his loving siblings, sister Marybeth McCaffrey (Ross Hart) of Bristol, ME; brother Jim McCaffrey (Gina); sister Tricia McCaffrey Hyon of Breckenridge, CO; and Becky McCaffrey, Shea’s Mom of Hinesburg, VT. He was the fun-loving uncle of his five nieces and nephews: James Jr., Stephanie, and Michael McCaffrey, and Collin and Emma Hyon. He was predeceased by his Dad whom he adored, who shared much time with Joe, playing catch on the side-yard, basketball on the driveway and years coaching him with his homework, and getting it done! Joe also leaves behind, his many fine athletic coaches who gave him much encouragement, especially his kind friend and track coach, Rick Eaton. We will celebrate Joseph’s good life on Thanksgiving weekend, with calling hours on Friday, November 24th from 1-3 pm, at Clifford’s Funeral Home, Rutland, with Rev. Arthur Kirwin, OP offering a time of prayer. Burial will be on Saturday, November 25th at the Weston Priory Cemetery, 58 Priory Hill Rd, Weston, VT 05161, at 2 pm, with the Benedictine Monks officiating. (Please gather at the cemetery prior to 2 pm.) A Reception will follow at the Priory Visitor’s Center, a time to break bread together, and to share memories. May he support us all the day long, till the shades lengthen, and the evening comes, and the busy world is hushed, and the fever of life is over, and our work is done. Then in his mercy may he give us a safe lodging, and a holy rest, and peace at the last! John Henry Cardinal Newman In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial gifts in Joe’s memory be made to Dismas of Vermont, Inc, (www.dismasofvt.org or Dismas of VT, Inc, P.O. Box 156, Hyde Park, Vt 05655) or to the charity of your choice.