FAIRBANKS (AK)
Anchorage Daily News
The Associated Press
Published: May 10, 2006
Last Modified: May 10, 2006 at 02:17 AM
FAIRBANKS -- A former pastor of Fairbanks Immaculate Conception Church, who stepped down last year after allegations he sexually abused children 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 after the allegations. Kettler officially removed McCaffrey from ministry in the diocese three months later, in the wake of an independent investigation by the diocese.
McCaffrey maintained his denial of any wrongdoing.