Richard Gaffney

Richard Anthony (Dick) Gaffney, of Ft. Myers, FL passed away peacefully on Monday, September 12, 2011 at Hope Hospice of Health Park, Ft. Myers, FL with his family by his side. Richard was born on August 23rd, 1932 in Detroit, Michigan where he was raised by John and Vivian Gaffney. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Francis Gaffney. He served in the Korean War, and later married his wife Betty Frances Gaffney (Shaughnessy) on October 13, 1956. He made his career working for Sears Roebuck and Co. for 42 years in the Detroit area while he and his wife lived and raised their children in Redford Twp. Michigan.Richard and Betty enjoyed their retirement years with family and friends traveling between between Ft. Myers, FL and Canadian Lakes, MI. He is survived by his wife Betty, his children Michael Gaffney (Jeanne) grandchildren: Megan, Sean, Molly, Katie, Mikey, Colleen Gaffney (Darin Sizemore) grandchildren: Shane, Margaret, Tara, Daniel Gaffney (Anne) grandchildren: Vivian and Owen, Patrick Gaffney (Kimberly) grandchildren: Sydnee, Andrei, Ian, Joseph Gaffney (Carol) grandchildren: Nora and Colin. Richard is also survived by his sister and brother-in-law Mary Ann and Walt Shureb, sister-in-law and brother-in-law Joan and John Hipple Sr. along with many close relatives and friends.Richard will be remembered by most as a gregarious and loving man who was big of heart and enjoyed life to the fullest. He had an ability to put a smile on one's face and bring out the best in people. He had a great passion for the game of hockey beginning as a player and student at Catholic Central High School of Detroit, Michigan. He continued to play, coach and volunteer for Redford Twp. Hockey association for many years. We will miss his gift of gab, and the companionship so enjoyed by his family and friends whose lives he touched along the way.A celebration of Richard's life will take place in Novi, Michigan:Visitation at O'Brien-Sullivan's Funeral Home, Novi, MI on Friday, September 16th, 2011, 3-9pmInstate Saturday, September 17th, 2011 10:00 am St. James Novi, MI until time of Funeral Mass at 10:30am. In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to the American Cancer Society or your local Hospice organization.