In Memory Of
Dr. J. Gaffney
1941
2022
Dr. J. Gaffney
March 19, 1941 — October 22, 2022
Dr. Richard J Gaffney quietly slipped away on October 22, 2022 and is now ascending the stairway to heaven.
Rich was born in Utica on March 19, 1941 to John and Elizabeth Gaffney, where he graduated from Our Lady of Lourdes High School and continued his education at Manhattan College graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. He went on to graduate from University of Buffalo School of Dental Medicine where he earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree cum laude. Before starting his career, he spent time touring Europe, after which he enlisted in the US Army Dental Corps during the Vietnam war with a rank of Captain. Upon his honorable discharge, he worked for Doctor's. Richard & Edward Coughlin in Fayetteville for many years before starting his own practice in the Syracuse Valley area for over 43 years. He was a life member of the 5th District Dental Society, the NYS Dental Association and the American Dental Association as well as the Onondaga County Dental Society.
Rich and his family loved spending summers at their cottage in Henderson Harbor where he could be seen cruising in his Chris Craft or Hacker craft on beautiful days and windsurfing on the most horrific of weather days. A consummate athlete, he was an expert mogul skier, cyclist, swimmer, Ice Flyer, white water Kayaker, and logged many miles rollerblading at Onondaga parkway in Liverpool. He loved anything to do with being outdoors.
But mostly, he loved his family. With Diana by his side for 28 years, and children, Derek Larsen (Amanda) and Rebecca Kowalski (Kyle)they shared a wonderful life together. Then came three beautiful grandchildren who completed his life and made it that much sweeter, Miss Marielle Larsen & Master Chase Larsen, and Miss Quinn Kowalski. He is also survived by his brother, Michael (Mary Anne) along with two sisters, Joanne Lamacchia, and Mary Gangi. And his best friend who stayed with him until the end, Dr. Neil MacDougal.
A special thank you to Hospice of CNY.
It says so much about your life and legacy if people think you died too soon, and we do.
Services were held privately.
Rich was born in Utica on March 19, 1941 to John and Elizabeth Gaffney, where he graduated from Our Lady of Lourdes High School and continued his education at Manhattan College graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. He went on to graduate from University of Buffalo School of Dental Medicine where he earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree cum laude. Before starting his career, he spent time touring Europe, after which he enlisted in the US Army Dental Corps during the Vietnam war with a rank of Captain. Upon his honorable discharge, he worked for Doctor's. Richard & Edward Coughlin in Fayetteville for many years before starting his own practice in the Syracuse Valley area for over 43 years. He was a life member of the 5th District Dental Society, the NYS Dental Association and the American Dental Association as well as the Onondaga County Dental Society.
Rich and his family loved spending summers at their cottage in Henderson Harbor where he could be seen cruising in his Chris Craft or Hacker craft on beautiful days and windsurfing on the most horrific of weather days. A consummate athlete, he was an expert mogul skier, cyclist, swimmer, Ice Flyer, white water Kayaker, and logged many miles rollerblading at Onondaga parkway in Liverpool. He loved anything to do with being outdoors.
But mostly, he loved his family. With Diana by his side for 28 years, and children, Derek Larsen (Amanda) and Rebecca Kowalski (Kyle)they shared a wonderful life together. Then came three beautiful grandchildren who completed his life and made it that much sweeter, Miss Marielle Larsen & Master Chase Larsen, and Miss Quinn Kowalski. He is also survived by his brother, Michael (Mary Anne) along with two sisters, Joanne Lamacchia, and Mary Gangi. And his best friend who stayed with him until the end, Dr. Neil MacDougal.
A special thank you to Hospice of CNY.
It says so much about your life and legacy if people think you died too soon, and we do.
Services were held privately.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Dr. J. Gaffney, please visit our flower store.
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