Douglas E. Gaffney

Mr. Douglas E. Gaffney, age 67, of New Hartford, passed away on Sunday, October 4, 2009 at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center with his loving family by his side. Born in Utica on January 22, 1942, Doug was the son of the late Emmett and Daisy (Kennedy) Gaffney. Raised and educated locally, he was a 1960 graduate of T. R. Proctor High School and attended M.V.C.C concentrating his studies in drafting and engineering. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army National Guard Military Police unit for a period of five years. On October 2, 1965 he married the former Jean M. Spina with whom he recently celebrated their 44th wedding anniversary; theirs was an ideal and happy union highlighted by common values and enjoyments. A forty-two year employee of the General Electric Company, Doug held the position of engineering specialist beginning at the French Road location, and lastly with Lockheed Martin in Syracuse prior to his retirement. In the workplace, he was a diligent and dedicated professional. Blessed with a gentlemanly nature, he will also be remembered for his witty sense of humor and his entertaining ways. An exemplary husband, father, and grandfather, he loved the relationship he forged with his family. He was supportive and displayed his love openly with his children. One of the greatest pleasures in his more recent years has been his grandchildren. He found the ambition to share his grandfatherly wisdom and playful nature and welcomed them with such adoration and joy. A self-taught craftsman, he was capable of repairing and perfecting any job set before him and shared his skills and tinkering time with his son, Mike. He was a parishioner of the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes. Doug is survived by his devoted wife, Jean; his daughter, Carleen Gaffney Morbidini of Marcy; his son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Dr. Stefania Gaffney of Manlius, NY; and his grandchildren, Giovanni, and Sophia; and Vanessa. Survivors also include his sister, Virginia Holley of Watertown; his brother, John Gaffney of Utica; his nieces and nephews, especially acknowledging Virginia and Stephen Snyder, Carolyn and Joseph Banville, Barbara and Stanley “Skip” Eldridge, and Richard Holley; his great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins, especially William and Carmelita McCabe of FL; and the numerous and loyal friends who graced his life. He also leaves his feline friend, Ally. He was predeceased by his niece, Debra Holley; numerous aunts and uncles, including Mary Duffy; and his in-laws, Paul J. and Mildred Spina. The family expresses heartfelt appreciation to Doug’s daughter-in-law, Dr. Morbidini-Gaffney, who offered her love, professional guidance, and support to Doug and all the family, the staffs of Hematology/Oncology Associates of Central New York, Syracuse and Rome locations, his physicians and caregivers; the nurses and staff at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center ICU, Special Care, 3/B, and the personnel of 3/C who cared for him through his final days with such kindness and concern. Visitation will be held Wednesday from 4:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Doug’s funeral service will commence on Thursday morning at 11:00 from the funeral home and at 12:00 noon at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes where his Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Entombment will take place in Christ Our Savior Mausoleum at Calvary Cemetery.

Douglas E. Gaffney

January 22, 1942 - October 4, 2009