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Obit -- Edward A. McCaffery Sr.

by jmaloni
Fri, Aug 12th 2011 09:00 pm

Edward A. McCaffery Sr. of East Aurora, formerly a 36-year resident of Grand Island, passed away Thursday, Aug. 11, at his residence after a lengthy illness at age 79.

He was born in Warsaw, N.Y., the son of Kenneth D. and Agnes (Foster) McCaffery. After a career in food and drug distribution, he formed Team Food Brokers in 1983 and grew it from a one-man operation into a small but successful company with 12 employees. In 1994, McCaffery sold the business and retired to Port Charlotte, Fla. He was predeceased by his dear wife and life companion of 55 years, Thelma Clarice (Hance), who passed away Feb. 2, 2009, after a valiant battle with pulmonary fibrosis.

McCaffery was active in the Buffalo Food Brokers Association, having served as president in 1993. He was a member of the Grand Island Lions for 21 years, a past commander of Bates-Courtney Post American Legion, a current member of East Aurora American Legion Post No. 362, and exempt volunteer fireman and past-master of Oakland Masonic Lodge in Castile, N.Y. He was a veteran of service to his beloved country, having served four years in the U.S. Navy during the Korean conflict.

Survivors include his five devoted children, Kenneth Michael, Patti Carole (D. Samuel) LoQuasto, and John Foster (Wendy), all of Grand Island; Edward A. Jr. (Roberta) of North Chili, N.Y., and Valerie Grace (Gregory) Mis, of East Aurora. His surviving eight grandchildren were the joy of his life; Fawn Marie (Joshua) Lundquist, Kenneth Michael, Thomas Dylan, Clarice Mae, Edward Adelbert III, James Carroll McCaffery, Benjamin Edward and Calista Irene Mis and beautiful twin great-granddaughters, Amaya Marie and Lillyana Faith Lundquist. Dear friend of Robert W. (Terry) Weaver. He is survived by a sister-in-law, Carolyn McCaffery of Almagordo, N.M., as well as several in-laws, nieces and cousins. He was predeceased by a brother, Maurice K. McCaffery; a brother-in-law, Louis Vastola; a sister, Jean Vastola; and a nephew, Daniel Vastola.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, Aug. 20, at 10 a.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church. Flowers are gratefully declined. Memorials to the Coalition for Pulmonary Fibrosis, 10866 W. Washington Blvd. No. 343, Culver City, CA, 90232.

Arrangements by Kaiser Funeral Home.

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