Walter McCaffrey, Long-Serving Former Councilman, Has Died

July 10, 2013 By Christian Murray

Walter McCaffrey, who represented Sunnyside and Woodside in the city council for almost two decades, has died. He was 64.

McCaffrey, who was suffering from complications from a recent car accident, died at Mount Sinai Hospital this morning.

McCaffrey, a Woodside resident, represented the 26^th district from 1985 through 2001. In 2001, he was among the first city council members who lost their seats due to term limits.

“We have lost a champion and a good friend,” said Joe Conley, chairman of Community Board 2, who had known McCaffrey for 35 years.

“His wit, humor and intelligence were unmatched,” Conley said, adding that “he was still very involved in the community right up to the end.”

Conley said that McCaffrey helped pass some landmark legislation while he was in the city council.

“Walter led the fight to make ATMs safer,” Conley said. “There were a lot of robberies and he was a champion of making sure they were well lit, had mirrors and cameras installed.”

Additionally, Conley said, he was at the forefront making sure that strip clubs were kept well away from residential buildings and schools through zoning.

McCaffrey served as chairman of Community Board 2 prior to being elected into office.

“Walter will be missed by many including myself and I thank him for his years of service and contributions to our neighborhoods,” said Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer in a statement.

McCaffrey was married but separated from his wife. He did not have children.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg ordered that flags be lowered to half-staff out of respect for McCaffrey throughout the five boroughs.

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Funeral Arrangements for Honorable Walter L. McCaffrey

Wake: Sunday at Lynch’s Funeral Home 43-07 Queens Blvd

From: 2 – 5 and 7 – 9pm

Monday Mass at St. Sebastian’s at 58th Street and Roosevelt Ave at 11 am

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to

Sunnyside Community Services

43-31 39th Street Sunnyside, NY 11104 Phone 718 784 6173

http://www.scsny.org

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