Patricia Ann (Patty) McCaffrey

OSWEGO – Patricia Ann (Patty) McCaffrey (83) of Oswego passed away peacefully on April 8, 2026, believing in the promises of Christ and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, surrounded by her family.

Born in Hornell, N.Y., on April 11, 1942, she was the second of twins born to the late Leo H. and Irma (nee Benedict) Devlin. Patty attended St. Ann’s School and graduated from Arkport High School. While attending SUNY Geneseo, she was active in the archeology and drama clubs while studying elementary education. After graduation, Patty taught 1st grade in the Greenwood Central School District. Her first class had 36 students. There she was one of the first presidents of the newly formed teachers’ union. Luck and love came together for her at a St. Patrick’s Day dance at the school, where she met her future husband, Robert T. McCaffrey. They were married on June 28, 1969, and enjoyed a happy life in Rexville, N.Y., where their sons, Bobby and Casey, were born.

In the late fall of 1982, the family moved to Oswego, N.Y., where Patty started working on her M.S. Ed. at SUNY Oswego, graduating with a 4.0 and being inducted into Phi Delta Kappa. Patty taught in the Oswego City School District for the remainder of her full-time career, mostly at her beloved Minetto Elementary. In retirement, Patty continued to substitute teach for another 10 years before closing out her teaching career with nearly 40 years in the classroom. In addition to her public school teaching, Patty shared her God-given talents by sharing her faith with children in preparation for First Holy Communion and Confirmation at St. Mary’s Church in Rexville, and Confirmation at St. Paul’s Parish in Oswego. Later, Patty devoted her service to the Lord through outreach at the Ladies’ Home of Oswego, where she faithfully brought Holy Communion to the residents for 20 years.

In later years, Patty was proud to serve as the office manager for McCaffrey Chiropractic, which she helped Casey run for many years. She always said, “Nobody’s going to care more about your business than your mother.”  Dr. Casey said, “I sometimes wonder if the patients come to see me or Mom.”

In 2015, after “waiting since 1969,” she got her first girl, Claire, in the form of a granddaughter, followed by a second, Camille, in 2018.  Her family’s well-being was always Patty’s guiding purpose.

She will forever be known for her generosity, helping countless people with everything from coats and boots to food and her time whenever they needed it. She taught this to her children and grandchildren, who will all miss her greatly.

Patty was predeceased by her parents and her youngest sister, Mickey Crowley, of West Jefferson, Ohio.

She is survived by her loving husband Robert T. McCaffrey; her two sons, Robert P. McCaffrey (Carrie Coniski), Dr. Casey T. McCaffrey, both of Oswego; and her grandchildren, Caleb Coniski, Claire McCaffrey, and Camille McCaffrey.  Patty is also survived by her twin sister Peggy (Mike) McDevitt of Lancaster, Ohio, her brother, Jimmy (Shirley) Devlin of Almond, N.Y., her brother-in-law John Crowley of West Jefferson, her  Ohio brothers- and sisters-in-law, John (Ronnie) McCaffrey of Avon, N.Y., and Joe (MaryAnn) McCaffrey of East Syracuse, N.Y. She is further survived by several nieces and nephews across the country, as well as many great friends and former students who all benefited from the love Patty had for them.

In keeping with Patty’s wishes, there will be no calling hours. Instead, please offer a prayer for the repose of her soul and for all the dearly departed that perpetual light may shine upon them.

Those who wish may join the family at The Hall Newman Center’s Chapel of the Holy Spirit, located at 36 New St., in Oswego, N.Y. 13126, at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, for a Mass of Christian Burial. This will be followed by internment at St. Peter’s Cemetery in Oswego.