Francis John Gaffney

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear father Frank Gaffney. Known to many in Comsewouge school district as the long-suffering track couch and guidance counselor, for us he was our quiet, fun loving Christian patriarch. Born in Brooklyn, New York, he attended Andrew Jackson High School. While there he established himself as a standout athlete in track and field. He moved on to Manhattan College, a premier east coast track school, on a full scholarship. It was at this time that he met his first true love, Lois our mother. In college, his accomplishment in the high jump became the talk of the town. It was not uncommon for ""Gaffney the Gazelle"" to have a full pager picture layout in the New York paper the Daily News. After college, he fulfilled his draft obligations with the United States Army as a member of the Army Track team stationed in Hawaii. During this time, he had a chance to compete in the Olympic Qualifying All Service Meet, coming in fourth, just short of making the Olympic team. Upon returning to the States he married Lois Galvan and moved to Long Island. His first job as a teacher in Massapequa introduced him to his life-long friends Ed and Helen Pawlik. Using his GI Bill, they bought a home in Port Jefferson Station, and soon took a job with that school system, which was later renamed Comsewogue. Starting a family JoAnn, Frank and Michael soon were born and not too long after Mary. The Gaffney's filled their summers with great camping adventures. From the Blue Ridge Mountains with the Pawliks to the Grand Tetons the intrepid Gaffneys saw it all. Retiring to Florida, Frank and Lois moved to Venice Beach several condos from Helen but continued their travels. When his wife became Ill, Frank dedicated his life to caring for her until her passing in 2004. During this time Frank was golfing, volunteering and traveling to see his family and friends. Helen and Frank developed a loving companionship that lasted over the next decade. When Frank finally became Ill his oldest daughter JoAnn took care of him until his passing. Frank leaves behind his children and grandchildren, and countless friends, but his life touched so many people. As an educator, coach and father Frank, in his quiet gentle way, filled life with endless possibilities, wonder and joy, and left us better off for being part of his amazing journey. Visitation will be held from 2-4 PM, Sunday, August 13 at Farley Funeral Home, Venice Chapel. Friends and family will process from Farley Funeral Home for an 11 AM, Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, Monday, August 14. Burial will follow at Venice Memorial Gardens. Visitation Information Date: Sunday, August 13, 2017 Time: 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm Farley Funeral Home - Venice Chapel Address: 265 Nokomis Avenue South Venice, FL 34285 941-488-2291 | Map Service Information Date: Monday, August 14, 2017 Time: 11:00 am Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church Address: 1301 Center Road, , Venice, FL, 34292 | Map Cemetery Information Date: Monday, August 14, 2017 Venice Memorial Gardens Address: 1950 Center Road, , Venice, FL, 34292 (941) 493-4246 | Map