John Leo Gaffney
December 22, 1939 - June 21, 2018
San Clemente CA
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John Leo Gaffney
December 22, 1939 - June 21, 2018
San Clemente CA
Obituary
Mr. John Gaffney, of San Clemente, CA, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 21, 2018 at the age of 78 after complications from a fall. His wife, Karen, step-daughter, Jennifer and best friend, Victor Gralewicz were by his side.
John was born to parents John and Theresa on December 22, 1939 in Philadelphia, PA. He was an only child in a half Italian, half Irish family. He was definitely one-of-a-kind.
He graduated from Malvern Prep, where he earned a National Merit Scholarship. Though he could have selected any university in the country, he chose Villanova so he could stay in the Philadelphia area. He later earned a Master’s degree from UCLA.
John was an executive at Lockheed Martin Aeronautics in Burbank, CA and Atlanta, GA until he retired after 35 years in 1998.
Tennis was a very important part of John’s life. When he relocated to Atlanta for work and moved back to San Clemente after he retired, his top priority when house hunting was tennis club availability. He was always a very active member of the clubs to which he belonged. John also loved to watch sports, especially the Phillies, Eagles, Villanova, and USC football. He was over the moon this year when his Villanova Wildcats won the NCAA championship and his Eagles won the Super Bowl.
John is survived by his wife of 30 years, Karen Gaffney; son Dr. John Gaffney, his wife Bridget, and grandchildren Julia, John, and Luke; daughter Sharon Nagelski, her husband Glen, and grandsons Francis and Michael; son Jamey Gaffney; son Dr. Scott Gaffney, his wife Samantha, and grandchildren Cameron, Blake Rae, and Flynn; step-daughter Jennifer Martin and her husband Andy; and his dedicated lap cat, Shadow.
While attending a recent memorial service, John said, “When I die, I don’t want people in a room all talking about me when I’m not there,” so we will be honoring his wishes with no service. Think of him when you eat one of his favorite foods: hot dogs, Philly cheese steaks or spaghetti and meatballs.
He will be deeply missed by his friends, family, and all who knew him.
35 responses to John Leo Gaffney
JOHN & Pat Simonich says:
June 25, 2018
SO sorry to hear this . Such a great guy ,
Kathi Manuel says:
June 25, 2018
John was a true gentleman. He always had a kind remark to make as I passed him; he was coming off the tennis court and I was going on. I can see why he was so well liked and I wish I had more time to spend with him.
Best wishes to all of his family who will miss him so much.
Kathi Manuel says:
June 25, 2018
John was a true gentleman. I loved how he would greet me at the tennis courts; he was coming off the courts and I was entering them. He always wished me good luck. I will miss his kindness and consideration of others.
My best wishes go to his family in this difficult time.
Michael Sullivan says:
June 25, 2018
Michael Sullivan
Reagan Nilsson says:
June 25, 2018
He was such a kind & wise man and I loved running into him at the tennis club. My thoughts are with Karen & his family. He will be missed.