Edward Patrick Gaffny, Sr. died Tuesday, July 7, 2009, at his home in Hampton, NH surrounded by his family.
Born Nov. 26, 1919 in Lawrence, Mass., he was the son of the late Helen Mulry and John J. Gaffny.
He was a 1937 graduate of Lawrence High School and joined the U.S. Navy, serving aboard the USS Altair (AD-11) from 1942-1944 as a Shipfitter First Class. He was awarded the World War II Victory Medal, American Area Ribbon, and the Asiatic-Pacific Ribbon. He was a member of the Disabled American Veterans in Lawrence, Massachusetts.
Following the war, Mr. Gaffny returned to the family plumbing business in Lawrence. He later changed the family business name to State Line Supply Company, Inc., moving it to Seabrook, NH in 1977. Mr. Gaffny continued to work in the plumbing and heating business until shortly before his death.
An avid tennis player and golfer, he was a longtime member of the Abenaqui Country Club in Rye, NH. A member of the Lawrence Elks Club, BPOE 65, he was also a member of the Knights of Columbus. A man who dedicated his life to helping others, Mr. Gaffny contributed to innumerable charities as well as to needy individuals. When people would ask him for help from anything to a handicapped ramp for their house, to food, he always helped. He was a founding contributor to Seabrook Police DARE program as well as to other local organizations.
He was an active member of New England Wholesalers Association and enjoyed golf and tennis trips with that group for more than two decades. A fan of horse-racing, Mr. Gaffny owned several thoroughbred race horses including Royal Promise, Blenheim Sun and Steve’s Vow. And avid card player, he enjoyed the Irish Card games including 45’s. His favorite sport teams are the Boston Red Sox and the New England Patriots.
He enjoyed many years of trips with his wife, Lorraine, traveling to historical locations in such countries as Paris and London.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Lorraine T. Lowe Gaffny, formerly of Lowell, Mass. In addition to his wife, he is survived by four children: Patricia Qualter and her husband, James of Salem, NH; Edward P. Gaffny, Jr. and his wife Rosemarie of Salem, NH; Judith Blinn and her husband Richard of Windham, NH; Bethann Doyle and her husband Thomas, of Danville, NH.
He is survived by three sisters; Catherine Sheppard of Hingham, MA, Harriett Palmieri of Andover, MA, and Margaret O’Connell of Methuen, MA. a brother, John J. Gaffny and his wife Marion of North Andover, MA. He was predeceased by three sisters: Helen Driscoll, Ann Morrissey, and Theresa Murphy. He also leaves behind 10 grandchildren 8 great-grandchildren.
A funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday, July 11, 2009 at 11:00AM at Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish in St. Augustine Chapel, 128 Ames Street, Lawrence, MA. 01841. A burial will follow in the High Street Cemetery in Hampton, NH.
Family and friends may call on Friday, July 10, 2009 from 4:00PM to 8:00PM at the John Breen Memorial Funeral Home, Inc. 122 Amesbury Street, Lawrence, MA. 01841. For more information or to send an online condolence please go to: www.breenfuneralhome.com.
Memorial contributions can be made to the: Salvation Army Corp. 34 Winnacunnet Rd Hampton, NH 03842