Obituary of William J. McCaffrey

William J. McCaffrey, 70, a long-time resident of Rye, passed away peacefully on May 26, 2023, following a valiant battle with cancer and congestive heart failure. 

Bill was born in New Rochelle, New York, on December 17, 1952, to John McCaffrey and Barbara (Porter) McCaffrey, both New Rochelle natives. The middle child in a family of 5 boys, Bill spent nearly all his young life in the house on Mt. Joy Place, growing up alongside his brothers John, Mike, Pat, and Bob. After graduating from Blessed Sacrament High School in 1970, Bill attended Westchester Community College and Fordham University. 

In 1976, Bill launched a highly successful career in the advertising industry, which included executive positions at some of the most renowned agencies of his generation, including Young & Rubicam, Grey Advertising, and Chiat/Day, as well as the formation of his own account planning and consumer research consultancy. 

In 1985, Bill met Mary Gerspach at a marketing research company’s holiday party in midtown Manhattan, when Mary’s friend dared her to ask Bill to dance. They ultimately married on November 28, 1992. 

In addition to Mary, his wife of 30 years, Bill is survived by his brothers John (Kathy), Mike (Arlene), Patrick (Diane), and Bob (Clare), as well as his brothers-in-law John (Dori), Tom (Eileen) and Jim (Cathy), his 20 nieces and nephews and their children, and many, many cousins, and good friends – all of whom he loved beyond measure. 

Bill loved his annual Cape Cod vacations – a McCaffrey clan tradition dating back to his infancy, Giant game tailgates, and any excuse for a good party. He firmly believed that even a cloudy day at the beach was better than a day anywhere else. He will be remembered for his sense of humor, his wit, and his big, big heart. 

The family will receive friends at the Graham Funeral Home in Rye, NY on Thursday June 1, 2023 from 4:00-7:00 PM. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at the Church of the Resurrection on Friday June 2, 2023 at 10:00 AM. 

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to be made to Memorial Sloan Kettering or Calvary Hospital & Hospice.