R. Donald McGaffigan of Arlington, formerly of Yarmouth Port and Medford, August 2, 2014. Devoted husband of the late Cynthia (Gradone) McGaffigan. Loving brother of the late James H. McGaffigan, Jr. and brother-in-law of Ellen M. (Reardon) McGaffigan. Don also leaves his cousin, Madelyn Lendall of Winchester; nieces Marianne McGaffigan of Waltham and Jill M. Votruba and her husband Steve of Winchester; and devoted longtime companion Gloria Gianfrede of West Haven, CT.
The son of James H. and Anna L. (Smaling) McGaffigan, Don was born in Melrose and raised in Medford. He graduated from Malden Catholic, Tilton Preparatory School in New Hampshire, and Saint Michael’s College in Vermont. A devout Catholic, Don attended the seminary prior to meeting Cindy, his wife of thirty-one years. A born salesman and larger than life personality, Don spent much of his career on Madison Avenue selling advertising for magazines such as House Beautiful, Harper’s Bazaar, and Look. After a successful career in NYC, Don and Cindy retired to the Cape.
Don was actively involved in the Marines Toys for Tots on the Cape for many years. In addition, he was a duly appointed chaplain with the Marine Corps League and an active member of the Knights of Columbus.
A Memorial Mass will be celebrated in Don’s name at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 114 High Street, Medford, MA on August 17 at 5:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: the Matthew Smith, MD Prostate Cancer Research Fund, c/o Development Office, 100 Cambridge Street, Suite 1310, Boston, MA 02114.