Obituary: Timothy Temple McCaffrey, 79, of Redding

REDDING, CT — Timothy Temple McCaffrey, 79, died peacefully at his home at Meadow Ridge, Redding on February 2, surrounded by his family after a nine-year struggle with prostate cancer.

Born in Exeter, NH to Austin and Kathleen McCaffrey, Timothy had three younger brothers, Michael, Kevin and Shane, who survive him. He graduated from Manchester, NH High School (1957). He received his BA with honors from Harvard University (1961), where he met his beloved wife of 56 years, Jane. He earned a law degree from Columbia University (1965).

Timothy worked for 35 years as senior counsel in the insurance and reinsurance business, retiring as Senior Vice President and General Counsel of the world-wide operations of General Reinsurance Corporation. Prior to that, he was chief legal officer for National Reinsurance Company, the Zurich Insurance Company US, and the Continental Insurance Companies. He also served as an arbitrator for 25 years on reinsurance dispute arbitrations.

With Jane, Timothy was a devoted member of the Benedictine Grange, Redding for 31 years. He cultivated spectacular flower gardens, grew prolific crops of tomatoes, and fed flocks of song birds. He loved poetry and Webster Lake in Franklin, NH. He sustained a dry wit until his very final days of life. He was an ethical, generous, loving and loyal husband, father, son, brother, and friend.

Timothy leaves behind his wife Jane, their three children, Matthew (Lesley), Katherine (Howard Fischer), and Mark (Elizabeth); eight grandchildren, Benjamin, Julia, Timothy, Laura, Erin, John, Isabel and Brian; his brothers and sisters-in-law, and many nieces and nephews.

A funeral Mass to celebrate Timothy's life is scheduled for Saturday, February 9, 11:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Parish in Redding with a luncheon following. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Mark Twain Library, Redding.