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
Nina Ames says:
June 26, 2018
Karen,
Funny thing is – I was never “introduced” to John… I just always knew him because he was such a positive magnetic force!
It was impossible to be in his presence without having a meaningful conversation. (Gosh what an admirable quality)
It was always so fun and interesting to be around him, and now to read about all his accomplishments in life – I’m even more impressed! I will miss him and I can’t even imagine how you will too.
You have both created a true network of tennis friendships and I am definitely one of them. So please count me in for anything I can do for you.
I will miss you John!
Stan Gianzero says:
June 26, 2018
Almost nine years ago, I moved to California and John welcomed me and made sure that I became socially connected through tennis and the book club.He was always kind and inviting to both my wife and me and for that we are very grateful and will dearly miss him.
Todd Kennedy says:
June 26, 2018
You were a great man John and will be sadly missed! Thank you for playing match maker and brining me and my wife Debbie together.
Lastly, how about those Eagles last year??!!
janette and neil naroff says:
June 27, 2018
Neil and I had the pleasure of knowing John since the Porter Ranch days. Through the years he always impressed us with his quick wit and entertaining thoughts. He filled the hours with laughter and his own special brand of insight.
We will miss him dearly and send our condolences to Karen and to John’s family.
Michael Smythe says:
June 27, 2018
Love you so much PopPop Cali. You will be greatly missed. I will cherish all of our great memories and think about you every time I watch tennis. I am blessed to have you as my grandfather.