Obituary of Francis J. Gaffney
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Francis “Frank” Joseph Gaffney, age 92, of Manalapan, NJ, passed away peacefully on June 26, 2024. He was a beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and uncle. He will be deeply missed by all that knew him.
Frank was born in Brooklyn, New York to the late Francis Gaffney and Lilla “Anna” Gaffney (Powers) on July 2, 1931. He spent his early years in and around New York before relocating his family to New Jersey in 1976 to the small town of Spotswood. He was enlisted in the Air Force and moved up the ranks to become a Staff Sergeant. He served in the Korean War as a Radio Intelligence Operator. He was a specialist in a prestigious division and was enormously proud of
his service to our country. Later, he worked at the Daily News as a truck driver (often referred to himself as a Truckologist), and in his later years as a dispatcher there as well.
He enjoyed dancing, horseracing, and music. He loved spending time with his family. He was always the life of the party, the best storyteller, and was the most gifted dancer on the dance floor. He had a tremendous passion for collecting old pennies. Above all else, he loved making others laugh and consistently brought a smile to all he encountered.
Frank is survived by his children, daughter JoAnn Pinkham and husband Brian of Jackson NJ, daughter Linda Gulinazzo of East Brunswick NJ, and his son Joseph Gaffney and wife Cindy of Forks, PA. His (8) grandchildren, Tiffany, Breann, Kayla, Alicia, Joseph Jr, Vincenzo, Sofia, and Giuliana and his (4) great grandchildren Romeo, Nina, Sicily and Camille.
Frank was predeceased by his parents, his brothers Harold Gaffney and Thomas Gaffney, and his sister Barbara Musto. His memory will live on through his countless stories that will be forever cherished.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Tuesday, July 2 (his birthday) from 12:30PM to 1:30PM at the Tilghman Funeral Home, located at 52 Main St., New Egypt NJ. Burial will follow immediately at the Brig. General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Wrightstown, NJ at 2pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations may be made to the American Heart Association in Frank’s name (https://www.heart.org/).