Thomas S. Gaffney
‘A Good Man’
Thomas S. Gaffney, 82, died June 14, 2103.
Born July 14, 1930, he was the youngest child of Stephen and Nora Gaffney. He graduated from Akron North High, and served in the Army Signal Corps during the Korean Conflict. When he moved onto Dayton Place at the age of 12, he was smitten with the girl who lived across the street, Mary Lou Ringlein. They were married November 7, 1953, and they’ve been inseparable ever since.
He retired in 1995 after a career as a food broker, and traveled extensively with Mary Lou, including trips to Hawaii, Alaska, Spain, Mexico, and Ireland. Tom gave generously of his time and talent to his family, his church and his community, and he was unfailingly kind to everyone he met.
Tom was a life-long member of St. Martha Catholic Church where he was active as a Eucharistic Minister, lector, Cursillo leader, President of the Holy Name Society, Boy Scout leader and bingo volunteer. He was a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians – Mark Heffernan Division – and the Knights of St. John.
He could be found in the stands cheering for his children and grandchildren (and offering the officials free advice) at countless softball, baseball, basketball, volleyball and soccer games, swimming and track meets, and even theatrical and musical events.
Tom was preceded in death by his son Shawn and his brothers James A., and P. Joseph. He is survived by his devoted wife of 59 years Mary Louise, sons and daughters-in-law Glenn and Laura of Tallmadge, Keith and Tricia of Copley, Kevin and Peggy of Akron, Thomas A. and Margaret of Akron and Michael and Corina of New Franklin; grandchildren Meghan (Brian) DeMeio of San Antonio Texas, Molly (Daniel) Adair of Mayfield Heights, Caitlin, Elise, Cara, Tessa, Mary, Sean, Erin and Ethan Gaffney; and great granddaughters Isabella and Evelyn DeMeio; sister Eileen Shrader, sisters-in-law and brother-in-law Mary Gaffney and Jackie and Roland Youmans, lifelong friend Vince Zampelli and countless nieces and nephews, relatives and friends.
Calling hours will be Monday, June 17, 2013 from 5:00 to 8:00 pm at Dunn Quigley Funeral Home, 811 Grant Street, Akron. Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, June 18, 11:00 am at St. Martha (Blessed Trinity) Catholic Church, 300 E. Tallmadge Ave., Akron.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Blessed Trinity Catholic Church or Hospice Center of Visiting Nurse Service on Ridgewood Road.

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