Harry Davis McCafferty, Jr., loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend, died on Thursday March 2, at age 98 after a brief illness.
Born in Richmond, IN, to Harry and Meta (Richard) McCafferty, Sr., the family later relocated to Columbus, OH. Following graduation from North High School, Harry, a gifted artist, was employed as a designer for Federal Glass Company until his entry into the Army during WWII. In July 1943, Harry and his high school sweetheart, Eleanore J. Dennis, were married in Washington, D.C. and soon Harry was sent overseas where he spent most of his military service as a phototopographer in the China/Burma/India theater. Following his return to civilian life, Harry accepted the offer of his aunt, Edna Richard, to join her in business in Richmond, IN, where he and Eleanore could set down roots and raise a family. When Ms. Richard relocated to TN, Harry and Eleanore continued growing the businesses and The Gift Center and Richmond Camera and Book Store were eventually merged to form Heritage Books and Gifts in downtown Richmond, from which Harry and Eleanore retired in 1984. In retirement, they were active in the Friends of Morrisson-Reeves Library. Harry was able to return to his love of art, becoming an accomplished calligrapher and illustrator. He also continued his long association with the Richmond Lion’s Club. In June 2022, Harry and Eleanore’s wartime love story was included in the musical production, “I’ll Be Seeing You: Love Stories of WWII”, produced at the Center for the Performing Arts, Carmel, IN.
Harry’s quiet demeanor, easy laugh, beautiful handwriting, and love of fishing, good martinis, and most especially, family, will bring comfort to those left to cherish his memory.
He was preceded in death by Eleanore (2001), his parents, his brother, James McCafferty and sister, Marilyn Condit. He is survived by his children: Dennis McCafferty (Anne), Indianapolis; Carol McCafferty, Richmond; Sharon Albert (Damen), Tecumseh MI; grandchildren Corey McCafferty (Erica), Jim Albert (Gail), and Kelly Albert (Michael Bellehumeur); great-grandchildren Valerie, Evelyn, Ryder, and Vincent Albert, and Cash and Lennon Bellehumeur; six nieces and nephews; and special friend, Ann Mumford, with whom he shared a treasured companionship.
The family would like to thank the staff of Friends Fellowship Community Health Center for their compassionate care of Harry and their support for his family.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Friends of Morrisson-Reeves Library, 80 North 6th St., Richmond, IN 47374 or to The Richmond Lions Club c/o of Lion Jack Buckland 1649 Boston Road, Richmond IN 47374.
Visitation for Harry will be held on Tuesday March 7, 2023 from 5-7pm at Riggle-Waltermann Mortuary (32 South 11th St. Richmond). Services will be held at 1:00pm on Wednesday March 8, 2023 at the Earlham Cemetery Mausoleum.