GAFFNEY RICHARD COOK, Sr. Richard Cook Gaffney, Sr., beloved husband, father, grandfather and great- grandfather, went to Heaven on Wednesday, October 28, 2015, at 3:47 p.m. He died surrounded by loved ones, both present and by phone. His last words, "I'm ready to go home", were spoken only after his wife told him she was safe and he could "let go". He was a wonderful man with a great heart. He was full of energy and ideas, always ready to help, and known for the love he shared with his wife. He eclipsed a childhood of abandonment and poverty to provide a life full of love and plenty for his family. He will be remembered for his great sense of humor, kindness and generosity. His passing creates a chasm in our lives that we will never fully refill. May God have mercy on his soul, and may he come to meet us when it is our time to come home. Richard is survived by his beloved wife of 61 and a half years, Dr. Virginia Brady Gaffney; by his six children, Richard, Jr. (Janet), Charles, Kathleen (David Neff), Robert (Gloria), Virginia (Robert Herrington), Eileen (Michael Stein), and by Beverly Holzworth Gaffney, whom he loved as a daughter. He is also survived by 13 grandchildren, Richard III, Russell, Michelle Frantzen, Emily Bova, Charles, Stephen, Kenneth, Kelly Danilovics, Veronica Gaffney, Audrey, Colleen, Rachel, and Natalie; by 13 great- grandchildren; by two cousins, Anne Ganow and Joyce Lauber; and by many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, John Edward Gaffney and Florence Cook; and by his sister, Lois Jeanne Braun. Richard's Catholic Funeral Mass was held on Saturday, October 31, 2015, at St. Martha's Catholic Church in Houston, Texas. Many came to celebrate the life of this great man. Richard will be buried in St. James Cemetery along with his ancestors. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to the Benedictine Sisters of Pittsburgh at 3526 Bakerstown Road, Bakerstown, PA 15007-9726; or to the Mildred Brady and Rena Martin Charitable Eye Clinic at 12615 Knighton Trail, St. Louis, MO 63127. To all of Richard's dear family and friends.
"Thanks for the memories". Send condolences post-gazette.com/gb
↧