John Joseph Gaffney

MADISON/ROCKFORD, ILL/BONITA SPRINGS, FLA-John Joseph Gaffney, age 76, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 1, 2016, in Madison. He was born on Nov. 27, 1939 in Rockford, Ill., to the late Raphael and Catherine Louise (née Petritz) Gaffney. He had recently moved back to Madison from Bonita Springs, Fla. where he resided for 14 years with his wife Patricia. John loved Wisconsin and had many ties here throughout his life. He spent his summers in McFarland at his family cottage on Lake Waubesa. John attended Campion High School in Prairie du Chien. After high school he started college at Notre Dame and finished his degree at Rockford College. During college he met his wife Patricia, who attended the University of Wisconsin, and spent as much time as he could in Madison with her and their friends.  John and Patricia were married in June, 1962 and lived in Oak Park, Ill for a few years before finally settling back in Madison. During the summer John and his family enjoyed living at the family cottage in McFarland. He worked in computer technology for both Honeywell and IBM and finally the Madison School District where he retired after 35 years as School Registrar. John was an extremely generous man who willingly gave his time, enthusiasm and support to both his family and friends, plus the various school, church, and community activities he was involved with. He re-energized Boy Scout Troop No. 16 at Blessed Sacrament Church when his son, Tim begin scouting. For 15 years he helped grow the program and acted as troop leader and mentor. Under John's leadership he helped several boys achieve Eagle status, the highest award in scouting. John loved and celebrated his Irish heritage, he was a member of the Madison Shamrock Club and was responsible for the Irish flag raising at the state capitol. He loved being at the family cottage where he could pursue his favorite passion of sailing. John was a founding member of the Waubesa Sailing Club and a member of the San Carlos Bay Power Squadron in Florida and served as Commodore for both. He helped out weekly at a local soup kitchen while living in Florida and enjoyed his membership with friends at the Madison Elks Club. John was an avid Badger fan and enjoyed defending his Chicago Bears. He was recently diagnosed with lung cancer and was battling to overcome this so he could continue to enjoy his life with his friends and loved ones, especially his granddaughters. John is survived by his two daughters, Margaret "Peggy" Gaffney of Denver, Colo., and Maureen "Molly" Gaffney of Madison; son, Timothy (Justine) Gaffney of Waunakee and their daughters, Jennifer and Jordan; two sisters, Mary Gaffney and Martha (George) Bailey; brother, George (Maxine) Gaffney; nephews, Ray and Robert; sister-in-law, Mary Kay (George) Morrissey; and nieces, Meghan and Colleen. He was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at BLESSED SACRAMENT PARISH (www.blsacrament.org), 2116 Hollister Ave., Madison, at 11 a.m., on Monday, June 6, 2016. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m., on Sunday, June 5, 2016, and at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Monday. Our family is grateful to all of you for your prayers and condolences. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorials be made to Boys and Girls Clubs. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608)221-5420