Orville "Bud" William MCafferty, Jr.

Orville (Bud) William McCafferty, Jr, 88 - passed away peacefully on Tuesday morning June 26, 2018 at his residence at Wyndcrest Assisted Living Facility in Rochester, Illinois.  Bud was preceded in death by his loving wife, Norma Jean (“Susie”) in 2014, his parents: Orville Sr. and Genevieve Runkels McCafferty, two sisters: Ora Mae Goodrich, Genevieve (“Boots”) Pantier, and brothers James McCafferty and Kenneth McCafferty.  He is survived by: Kathleen McCafferty (companion, Dan Feser), Sally Schwartz (husband Jon Schwartz), David McCafferty (wife, Tish McCafferty) all of Rochester. Seven Grandchildren: Jessica Robinson, Tera Schwartz, Benjamin Robinson (wife, Amber Robinson), Whitney Schwartz Getz (husband, Corey Getz), Adam Schwartz, Lucas McCafferty and Chloe McCafferty. Also Four Great-Grandchildren (“GG Kids”): Dakota Ryherd, Riley, Carly, and Lainey Sue Getz.  He is also survived by numerous cousins, nephews, nieces, and many friends.

Bud was born at St. John's Hospital on May 25, 1930. He had a difficult childhood after being diagnosed with a severe form of osteomyelitis (an infection of bones and joints). He was hospitalized, sometimes immobilized and bedridden for several years at the Crippled Children's Hospital outside of Riverton, Illinois.  While there in bed, he learned to draw, paint, write beautiful Old English Script-Calligraphy and how to play the guitar.

Shortly after "D" Day (June 6, 1944), Penicillin was released for civilian use. "Bud" was one of the first recipients in the Midwest to get this new miracle medicine; it healed him almost immediately. He then attended Springfield High School and then University of Illinois. In the Summer of 1951 he got hired at Illinois Department of Transportation and married “Susie” Stahr six months later.  Bud retired as a Structure Programming Manager for IDOT in January of 1986.

His story is truly a great testament to Faith in God, Perseverance and making the best out of your situation. He never knew a stranger!  Many of his favorite dining places treated him like royalty - they’d call him by name, owners would shake his hand, he made instant connections and several staff members even brought their families over to meet him (and our dear, late mother).  Our friends naturally were his friends! Up to the very end, he was VERY good with names, and associations. He was very active, drove his own car and rarely missed a concert, athletic event or activity his kids, grandkids or his "GG kids" were involved!  

Bud enjoyed singing and playing the guitar!  He spent many years involved in the Ansar Shrine Chanters, sang in the Church Choir at Rochester United Methodist Church for nearly 50 years, performed at Muni Opera, Springfield Theater Guild and recorded a CD, a true keepsake. He sang and played guitar with “The Hightones” a national award-winning music group. He was a member of the Rochester Masonic Lodge #635.  He was an official calligrapher for the Illinois American Medical Society, American Dental Society, Illinois Bar Association and various Illinois State agencies. He also served on numerous United Methodist Church Committees at the Local Church, District and Conference Levels, and volunteered at the United Methodist Church Midwest Distribution Center. Bud also proudly served as the Senior Coordinator for several Rochester School Referendums that resulted in the construction of schools and facility enhancements.

Visitation will be held at Rochester United Methodist Church on Thursday evening from 3:00-7:00 PM.  A Funeral Service will be held Friday 10:00 AM at Rochester United Methodist Church 555 S. Walnut Rochester, IL 62563. 

Memorial donations may be made to the Shriners Crippled Children’s Hospitals, Rochester United Methodist Church or Rochester Fine Arts Department.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Orville "Bud" William MCafferty, Jr., please visit our floral store.