John William Gaffney

John William Gaffney, 71, of Youngwood, died quietly in his sleep on Saturday, December 3, 2022. He was born August 19, 1951 to the late Kenneth James and Wilma Kathryn (Phillips) Gaffney. He was preceded in death by his sister and her husband, Alice Kathryn (Gaffney) and John F. Lauffer Jr. He attended Hempfield High School, then Indiana University of Pennsylvania before enlisting in the US Navy for 4 years. He spent over 30 years with the US Postal Service, mostly on a walking route.  He had a great interest in astronomy and the space program and enjoyed watching science fiction with his wife and son. He loved to read and especially loved to study church history, liturgy, and music. He was very active in lay ministry to the church, serving in various capacities as a choir member, a liturgical worship assistant, and on various councils and committees.  His favorite places to vacation with his family were Ocean City, MD, and Disney World. He  loved the people and animals in his life and he is deeply missed. In addition to his wife of 33 years Diane Lynn (Hockenberry) Gaffney, and son Brendan James Gaffney, of Pittsburgh, he is survived by:  his nephews, John "Jack" (Becky) F. Lauffer III of Blairsville, and Robert (Cindy) Lauffer, of Youngwood; his great-nieces and nephews: Kathryn Lauffer, Michelle (Blaine) Kring, Jonathan (Stephanie) Lauffer, and Matthew (Ashlea) Lauffer; and his great-great nieces and nephews: Elijah and Amelia Kring, Abigail and Emmett Lauffer, and Christopher Lauffer; also his cousin Andy Dunlap. Family and friends will be recieved for visitation from 1 to 2 pm on Saturday January 28, 2023 at First Lutheran Church, Grant Street, Pittsburgh; followed by a funeral liturgy at 2 pm, and then a gathering of friends and family in the church hall. Parking available nearby at Mellon Square Garage.  Funeral arrangements were provided by Ashley D.X. Nye Cremation Care & Funeral Home Inc., Youngwood, PA. Those who wish to, may make memorial donations to First Lutheran Church in Pittsburgh or to any local animal shelter.

To view the service via YouTube livestream, please use the following link.  https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=DemQ2hBgdEI&feature=youtu.be

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John William Gaffney, please visit our floral store.