Timothy Flindell Caffrey, 67, a longtime Oak Park resident, died on July 31, 2025 due to complications from lung cancer. Born on Aug. 1, 1957 in Plainfield, New Jersey to George Doane Caffrey Jr. and Katharine (Flindell) Caffrey, he grew up in Cleveland and was a lifelong fan of the Indians (Guardians) and Browns. He attended Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, Michigan and Western Michigan University. A consultant and training facilitator in the fields of leadership and employee development, his work, mainly with Fortune 1000 companies, took him across the globe through 48 states, North and South America, Europe, Asia, and South Africa.
But his heart lived at home with his family and pets. He found joy in humming show tunes from Carousel to Sweeney Todd and walking his faithful yellow Lab, Wrigley. More than anything, Being a dad was the role he was proudest of. He took an active role in volunteering, reading to his daughters’ school classes, coaching T-ball, and serving as president of the Beye School PTO.
He was a gifted storyteller, always keeping his audiences entertained by painting vivid pictures with his words and turning everyday encounters into hilarious, unforgettable memories.
Tim is survived by Kristin (née Bergsland), his wife of 36 years; his daughters, Katie and Carrie; his siblings, George Caffrey (Jean), Betsy Caffrey, Tina Garland (David), Stephen Caffrey (Amanda Wyss), and Kate Caffrey (Michael Reed); his sister-in-law, Tricia Caffrey, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Jim, and his son Christopher.
A visitation will be held on Aug. 15 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Oak Park Conservatory (615 Garfield St., Oak Park) in the Rubenstein Room. A celebration of Tim’s life will be held at a future date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the CAST theater program (https://www.castatjulian.org/donate) or the American Lung Association (https://action.lung.org).