William McCaffrey

Bill was born on September 2, 1953, and was raised in Hillsdale, New Jersey. He is predeceased by his mother, Mary Joan Finnegan McCaffrey. He leaves behind his father Robert B. McCaffrey, daughter, Kaitlin M. McCaffrey, sister Lauren M. Thorp and husband David, Lauren’s children, Elise and husband Michael Chinn, Leslie Carter and Stephanie Parrish. Bill also leaves his longtime sweetheart, Barbara J. Meyers, his stepchildren, Justin and Angie Smith. A cousin, Frank O'Shea, who was like a brother, his wife Ellen and their children Jessie and Ryan. In addition Bill leaves many cousins - The McCaffreys, Gosses, Edens, and Finnegans.

Bill adored and was very proud of his daughter Kaitlin. She moved to NYC and found her niche as the Promotions Manager for The Roosevelt Hotel. He was proud of her creativity and strong work ethic. Like father, like daughter. Bill and Kaitlin loved to take vacations together. They especially loved camping in Alaska. While there, they bonded during a volcano eruption! They also enjoyed exploring Block Island together. His love for his daughter was apparent to all that knew him.

Bill graduated from Pascack Valley High School in 1971 and Ramapo College in Mawah, New Jersey in 1975. In the late 1980’s Bill went back to college to obtain a BGS degree from UConn. Bill continued his education and received a Masters Degree in Organizational Development from ECSU in 2002.

Bill developed a strong work ethic from his Dad, Bob (Boppy) McCaffrey. Laurie and Bill had chores every weekend and learned the value of hard work. Laurie recalled one of Bob’s favorite sayings, “an honest days work for an honest days pay.” As soon as Bill could drive, he started his first landscape company called Blue Grass Landscaping - with his blue van. This company expanded while he was in college when he employed some of his classmates. He recently commented how grateful he was to have had the opportunity to re-connect with old friends on the Ramapo College soccer team this past October at their 40th reunion.

Bill opened his first flower shop in New Jersey. He moved to Connecticut in 1980 with his wife Kathleen Murphy . Together they opened the Wild Irish Rose flower shop in Old Lyme, and before long, he expanded the business to four shops along the shoreline. Several years ago Bill established the Green Guarantee Landscaping Company.

Bill’s interest in gardening and planting began on the McCaffrey farm in southern New Jersey while growing up. During those years, he also developed a love for the outdoors and animals. He enjoyed boating, fishing, camping and hiking, but not hunting. He often said, “I could never kill a deer”. However, there were many choice words for the deer when they devoured his garden. Speaking of choice words, Bill had a flair for firing the four letters, but they somehow did not sound offensive coming from him. For those of you who knew him, you know what we are talking about.

Bill was a Lyons Club member for many years. He enjoyed their camaraderie and was always ready to lend a hand at many fundraising events. Several years ago, Bill was awarded “CT Lyon of the Year” for his dedication and volunteerism.

Bill was a sportsman. Beginning with Little League in New Jersey where his Dad coached his team, he developed a lifelong love of sports. He and Kaitlin are avid YANKEE FANS and enjoyed many games together, thanks to Kaitlin's New York connections. He had little patience for Red Sox whiners; he couldn’t even tolerate a Boston accent. Bill was also an avid JETS FAN (J-E-T-S, Jets, Jets, Jets!) The Giants were his back up team. Bill and Barbara held season tickets to UCONN football and basketball games. GO HUSKIES! Bill played softball for the Laysville Hardware Team in Old Lyme for years. It was mentioned that they could always count on Bill for at least a base hit. On a different note, Bill and Kaitlin were also great fans of Bruce Springsteen and the Beach Boys.

Everyone who knew Bill knows that he was blessed with an engaging personality and quick wit. He and his Mom would often be found laughing and sharing a good joke together. He was also kind and generous. He gave freely of his time, his resources and his love. Because of this, Bill formed many lasting friendships. Most people could not match Bill’s quick wit with the exception of his long time friends, Lauren and Bill Plage. It was quite entertaining to witness their banter and quips back and forth. Bill recently admitted, “They keep me on my toes.”

The family would like to express their gratitude and appreciation for the support of all Bill’s friends throughout the progression of his difficult disease. Your visits, food, kindness and comfort, timely humor, even massages by Therapeutic Touch, were greatly appreciated.

Bill met Barbara on Good Friday, 2003. Since then, it has never been “Good Friday”, but “Great Friday”. They discovered they were quite compatible, sharing the same tendency to see life through the wonderful lens of humor, and quickly fell in love. Although Barbara could not match Bill’s quick wit, she would eventually “get it”. There was often a delay in her “getting it” that would lead to an evolving chain of continuous laughter. They truly enjoyed each other.

Barbara’s children, Elizabeth and Conor, also loved Bill very much – let’s not leave out Barbara’s “other” daughter Brittney, whom Bill called “the Britzter”. Conor’s good friend Joey also sought out his advice and guidance through the years. Bill’s influence has led Conor to a love of planting, gardening and landscaping. Speaking of nick names, Bill had the pleasure of coining a nickname for everyone he befriended. Kaitlin gleefully answered to "Wolf", and "KitKat" from her grandfather.

Being a floral business owner, Bill disliked the term, “in lieu of flowers” mentioned in obituaries. However, Bill was also a generous and grateful man who would agree with our wishes. If you would like to make a donation in Bill’s name, please support Hospice of Southeastern CT, 227 Dunham St., Norwich, CT – and by the way, “support your local florist”.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the entire staff of Hospice for their kindness and support.

There is no way to describe the hole Bill’s passing has left in the lives of all who loved him. Quite simply, he was a great guy. We love you Bill and will miss you. Thank you for touching our lives in such a delightful, wonderful way. Rest in peace… till we meet again.