Lester "Les" J. McCaffery

Lester “Les” James McCaffery passed away July 19, 2022, at his home in Ingleside, at the age of 93.  He was born June 29, 1929, to Michael and Rosella McCaffery, on the Southside of Chicago (Sacred Heart Parish).

As a young man, he proudly served as a Seaman First Class, US Navy Seabee, 103rd Division, during World War II.  He was stationed on the Pacific Islands of Guam and Okinawa and was an engineer for both the Navy and Marine Corps.

For 32 years, he was employed by the Chicago Police Department—15 of which were as a Vice Detective in District 9.  Les is a testament to the strength and resiliency of a true Chicago Police Officer.  He was a proud member of the Fraternal Order of Police, Chicago Lodge #7.

Les enjoyed traveling and vacationing with family and friends.  He looked forward to times spent with his cousin and family in Hilton Head, SC.  His favorite destination was truly paradise—Hawaii.  Thus, his favorite flower, the Bird of Paradise.

In his latter years, Les enjoyed hours of watching birds and a variety of wildlife.  He had a special fondness for the Northern Cardinal.

Les was always grateful to be blessed with extraordinary friends and a devoted family, as well with his loyal, four-legged companions.  His “special friend” (sister-in-law Carol, and her two caring children Ricky and Lauren) brought an abundance of love, laughter, and joy to his life.

He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Betty Ann McCaffery (nee Krueger); dear brother, Jack (Rose) McCaffery; and many wonderful in-laws, nieces, and nephews.

Les was preceded in death by his parents, Michael and Rosella McCaffery; and siblings, Dolores, Doris Jean, Michael, LaVern, and Rosemary.

He was a devout Catholic, a man people could look up to, and a great role model.  Our lives just wouldn’t be the same without him in it.  Les was a “Tough as Nails” IRISH Chicago cop, with a kind smile and a very loving heart.  We all loved this amazing man of ours.

Les, may you rest in the peaceful assurance God dearly loves you.

Visitation Sunday, July 31, from 2 p.m. until the time of wake service at 6 p.m., at Hamsher Lakeside Funerals and Cremations, 12 N. Pistakee Lake Rd., Fox Lake.  Mass of Christian Burial, 10 a.m., Monday August 1, 2022, Our Lady of the Lakes-St. Bede Church, 36455 N. Wilson Rd., Ingleside.  Burial to follow at Windridge Memorial Park and Nature Sanctuary, Cary.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Les' name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Pl., Memphis, TN 38105, or to the Fraternal Order of Police Chicago Lodge #7, 1412 W. Washington Blvd., Chicago, IL 60607-1821, appreciated.

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