Obituary of Paul Lawrence Gaffney

Paul L. Gaffney, 91, formerly of Baldwinsville, NY, died peacefully with his family by his side on December 14, 2021.   Born on June 30, 1930, to John and Margaret Gaffney, Paul was a proud graduate of St. Anthony’s School,  Le Moyne College, and Syracuse University.

Following his graduation from Le Moyne College, Paul enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps where he rose to the rank of 1st Lieutenant.   After completing his tour in the Marines, Paul returned to Syracuse to marry the love of his life, the former Anne Marie (Nancy) O’Connor.   Together they raised a family of seven children, filling their household with love and laughter.

Paul began his professional career in marketing at the Sealright Co. in Fulton, NY.  In 1968 he took a position at Bristol Myers-Squibb, where he headed the department of Marketing and Sales until his retirement in 1985.   As a retiree Paul kept busy, working as a substitute teacher in the Baldwinsville School District and supervising Grand Stand operations at the New York State Fair.   For twenty years Paul and Nancy headed to Florida each winter where he worked for his beloved Red Sox during spring training. 

Throughout his life, Paul was known as a leader and generous volunteer of his time and talents.   He served on several capital campaigns for Le Moyne College, and as a Fourth Degree Knight, organized numerous fundraising and charitable activities for the Baldwinsville Council of the Knights of Columbus. He was a Eucharistic Minister, Lector, and Pastoral Council member of St. Mary’s Church, as well as a founding member of the Beaver Meadows Golf course.  

Paul was predeceased by Nancy, his wife of nearly 64 years, in July 2021.  He was also predeceased by his parents, his brothers John, Robert, and William Gaffney, and his sisters Mary Gaffney and Frances Savage. 

Without a doubt, the highlight of Paul’s life was his family.   He loved his children unconditionally and was a proud and engaged father who supported their many varied pursuits, attending hundreds of ballgames, concerts, dance recitals, and moreover the years.   He is survived by four daughters, Anne (John) Sierotnik, Sheila (Kevin) McGann, Marie (James) Canfield, and Michelle “Missy” (Michael) DeGennaro; three sons, Paul, Joseph (Mary), and Daniel (Sharon); eighteen grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren; sister Teresa Riccardi, many nieces and nephews, and his beloved dog Mickey.  

There will be no calling hours.  A funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Church of the Assumption, 47 Syracuse St., Baldwinsville, NY on Friday, December 17, at 3:30 PM. Per NYS mandate masks are required.    Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Catholic Charities, 1654 W. Onondaga St., Syracuse, NY  13204.