McCaffrey, Donald P. age 89 of Hamilton, died Friday March 23, 2012 in the Westover Retirement Community. He was born in Hamilton, Ohio on June 1, 1922, the son of Paul and Irene (Niehaus) McCaffrey, and was a 1940 graduate of Hamilton High School. On October 20, 1951, in St. Ann Church he married Gertrude Burkart. Mr. McCaffrey began his United States Marine service with an appointment to lead the Petzel Platoon, a group of local USMC volunteers from Hamilton to Parris Island for basic training in 1942. After further training in San Diego, he served in the South Pacific Theater. Donald earned three battle stars in campaigns against the enemy in the Gilbert and Marshall Islands, stationed in places such as Majuro and Tarawa. After the war, Mr. McCaffrey returned to Hamilton to work at the Hamilton Foundry, retiring as Chief Estimator in 1985 with 44 total years of service. After his retirement, he was appointed to the Butler County Veterans Commission, serving as Commissioner for 19 years and becoming the organization's Secretary. Mr. McCaffrey was a member of St. Ann Church, the Knights of Columbus Father Butler Council, and the VFW Post # 1069.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Gertrude; three children, Mike (Tricia) McCaffrey of Liberty Township, Diane (Doug) Sheldon of Somerville, and Pat (Cathy) McCaffrey of Cincinnati; four grandchildren, Shane (Angie) Sheldon, Jordan (Rachelle) Sheldon, Hannah (Matt) Nixon, and Don McCaffrey; one great-grandchild, Cooper Nixon.

Besides his parents, he was also preceded in death by two sisters, Marian McCaffrey and Janet Schneider.

Prayers will be offered at 9:30 am Thursday in the Zettler Funeral Home, 2646 Pleasant Ave. followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am Thursday in St. Ann Church with Fr. Stephen Mondiek celebrant. Entombment will be in St. Stephen Mausoleum. Visitation will be from 6-8:00 pm Wednesday in the funeral home. Online register book available at www.zettlerfuneralhome.com