WARWICK — Michael J. Gaffney, 73, passed away on March 18, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of Deborah (Masson) Gaffney for 52 years. He was born in Providence, a son of the late Charles A. and Josephine A. (Moriarty) Gaffney.
Gaffney was a graduate of LaSalle Academy and Providence College and worked as a teacher and guidance counselor in the Warwick School Department. In addition, he was an ice hockey coach for many years.
In addition to his wife, Gaffney is survived by his loving children Michael (Emily) of Lakeside, Arizona; Charles (Alisa) of East Greenwich; Joseph (Patricia) of Wakefield, Massachusetts; Susan Rowley (Chad) of Milton, Mass.; John (Tiffany) of Warwick; Stephen (Ashley) of North Kingstown and James (Miranda) of Warwick. He was also the brother of Charles (Linda) of Warwick; Paul, of Warwick; Kevin (Beth) of Chattanooga, Tennessee; and Father David Gaffney, pastor of St. Bernard Church, North Kingstown. He was the devoted Papa to 21 grandchildren.
His funeral was celebrated on Friday, March 24, 2023, with a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Bernard Church, North Kingstown, with burial in St. Joseph Cemetery, West Greenwich. Donations in his memory may be made to the Thomas G. Cavanagh Memorial Fund, 25 Nathaniel Greene Dr., Warwick, R.I., 02818.
