ALASKA
Anchorage Daily News
The Associated Press
Published: May 9, 2006
Last Modified: May 9, 2006 at 09:42 AM
FAIRBANKS -- A former pastor of Fairbanks Immaculate Conception Church, who stepped down last year following allegations that he sexually abused minors in western Alaska, died in his sleep Sunday at Colombiere Jesuit Community in Portland, Ore., church officials said. He was 63.
The Rev. Richard L. McCaffrey had "longstanding cardiac and pulmonary problems," a news release said.
McCaffrey was relieved of his pastoral duties a year ago by Fairbanks Catholic Diocese Bishop Donald Kettler following the abuse allegations. Kettler officially removed McCaffrey from ministry in the diocese three months later, following an independent investigation by the diocese.