Obituary of William F. Gaffey

William F. Gaffey Florence/Camden William F. Gaffey, age 80, of Florence, passed away at Bethany Gardens, May 21, 2012, after fighting a courageous 4 year battle with cancer. He was born at home on May 31, 1931, in Florence, NY, a son of William and Clara Mulvaney Gaffey. He attended a one room school house in Osceola walking to school through deep snow - uphill all the way - to and from school as he liked to tell. He also attended school in Camden . In 1949 Bill enlisted in the US Marie Corp. He was discharged in 1950 bit was recalled in 1951 and honorably discharged in 1952. He is a life time member of the Marine Corp League -LZ Old Corps Detachment 999. Bill was also a member of the Teamsters Union Local #182 having been employed at Coleman Brothers Trans Lines from April 1952 until its sale to Red Star Express in 1976 after a devastating fire. Bill was an ace mechanic - taking great pride in his work. "If you aren't going to do it right -don't do it." He retired in 1988 to work on his pride and joy - his log cabin in God's country. He enjoyed snowmobiling, boating and fishing, 4 wheeling, going out to breakfast on Sunday AM with his buddies and playing cards. On November 25, 1954 Bill was united in marriage to Joanne Dunn, in St. Mary of the Assumption Church - a union of more than 57 years. William is survived by his wife Joanne: a daughter and son in law, Virginia and Carney Hall; four sons and daughters in law, William P. and Josephine Gaffey, John and Ludmila Gaffey, Alan Gaffey and friend Trinna, and Jeffrey Gaffey and fiancé Dana Sharron. Alos surviving are 12 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. Bill was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. Also surviving are his brother and sister in law, David and Mary Gaffey of Altmar - sisters, Ruth Gaffey of Utica, Irene King of Ledyard, CT and Imogene Finnerty of Williamstown. He was predeceased by his parents, half-sisters, Ereine York, Leona Lindsey; half-brother, Joseph Mulvaney; sister, Dorothy Reesh, twin brothers John Norman and James Thomas shortly after birth. He was also lost his courageous granddaughter Theresa Marie Gaffey at age 25 years of cancer. The family wishes to thank Bethany Gardens for their care and compassion - especially Bills angels of the 3rd floor Cheri, Mary Beth, B.J. , Annie, Christy, Tai, Jessie and Joy who kept his spirits up with their love. Hugs to you all. Funeral services are under the direction to Barry Funeral Home. Calling hours are Thursday 4-7 PM. Friday at 10:15 AM from the Barry Funeral Home, with a Mass at St. Peter's Church at 11:00 AM. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery with a Military send off. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Judes, Alzheimer's Association of CNY or St. Mary's/St. Peter's memorial fund. Please offer online tributes or light a candle at: www.BarryFuneralHome.com