William Eugene McCafferty, 90, of 956 Fern Road, St. Marys, passed away peacefully Friday, August 9, 2024 at his residence surrounded by his family.

He was born September 3, 1933 in a lumber camp in Sheffield, PA, the son of the late William A. and Mary Dogostine McCafferty.  He was a graduate of Johnsonburg High School, Class of 1951 and continued his studies at Penn State University where he earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Forestry.  His work life included work in forestry and survey consultation as well as a long career at Airco Speer Carbon.

On October 18, 1958, in Sacred Heart Church, he married, Ann Justine Garbic, who survives.  They were blessed to share 65 years of marriage.

In addition to his loving wife, Bill is survived by his children: Loree Brazinski (Paul “Bud) of Ridgway, Elizabeth “Lisa” Palmer of Indiana, William P. McCafferty (Deborah) of Phillipsburg, and Jennifer McCafferty (Rodney Holland) of Courtland, VA; twelve grandchildren: Benjamin Brazinski (Emily), Erica Mitcheltree (Nick), Alex Brazinski, Scott Brazinski, Chelsea Palmer, Rebecca Palmer, Amanda Bosnik (Jesse), Emily McCafferty, Olivia McCafferty (Christian Ordonez), Adeline McCafferty, Nash Warren and Luke Warren; six great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by a daughter, Miriam McCafferty and three sisters: Arlene Jeanette Kocjancic (John), Mary Lou “Billie” Novosel (Don), and Elaine McCafferty in infancy.  He was the last surviving member of his immediate family.

He was a faithful member of Sacred Heart Church and was humble about his service to his country with the United States Army.  He enjoyed polka music and was a proud member of the North Central Polka Boosters.  He enjoyed family parties and reunions and sharing colorful stories of his youth and heritage.  Bill was a talented musician.

To my family and friends:  Thank you for the memories.  Please do not be sad that I have departed, instead, recall the many good times we shared.  When you hear an accordion playing, smile for me.  My life was richly blessed.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, August 16, 2024 at 11:00AM in the Sacred Heart Church with the Rev. Ignatius Camello, O.S.B., celebrating.  Burial will follow in the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.

Visitation will be held in the Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home on Friday morning from 9:30AM until 10:30AM.

Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to the St. Mary’s Public Library, 127 Center Street, St. Marys, PA 15857, Friends of Twin Lakes, c/o Laura Funaki, 114 Lynch Road, St. Marys, PA  15857, or to a charity of one’s choosing.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home. Online condolences may be offered at www.lynch-radkowski.com.