Hugh C. Gaffney

Hugh C. Gaffney, age 91 years, passed away on Sunday, December 11, 2011, at his home in Costa Mesa, from Cancer. Hugh was born in Monticello, New York on October 18, 1920, to Richard and Helen (Burns) Gaffney, who emigrated from Glasgow, Scotland in 1913 and later removed to Whittier, California in the 1920’s.

During World War II, Hugh served his country in the United States Navy, as a Coxswain, (handler of small boats). He began his enlistment on July 22, 1942 in San Diego, California and ended his Navy career on December 7, 1946 where he separated at Mare Island, California. Hugh served upon several vessels during his time in the Navy, including the Floating Dry Dock T.R., Tiburon, California., USS ABSD-1, and finally in 1946 on the USS Rockingham.

After 33 years of civil service, with the U.S. Postal Service, Hugh retired in 1989 from Costa Mesa Post Office. He was a devoted parishioner of St. John the Baptist Church and a longtime resident in the City of Costa Mesa, where he also enjoyed Bowling on a local men’s league for many years. Hugh was a long time sponsor in affiliation with Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.), and would celebrating his 37th year anniversary in January 2012, and leaves behind many friends in association with A.A.

Hugh is survived by his beloved wife, Kathleen; their blended families consisting of six children: Stephen Patrick Gaffney and Kathleen Ann Gaffney; step-children, Annette Santos, Victoria Plank, John and Charles Ventimiglia; grandchildren: Amber Gaffney, Andrew Gaffney, Robert Zuniga, John Plank, Ryan House, Dominic and Antonio Ventimiglia, C.J. and Tyler Santos; great-grandchildren, Kayla, Desiree and Alayna Zuniga. He is survived by a sister, Marjorie A. Weeke, of Rome, Italy and numerous nieces and nephews who will miss him dearly. Hugh is preceded in death by his parents, four brothers: Daniel, Richard, Gerald, and Thomas; five sisters: Catherine (infant), Barbara, Flora, Augusta Coon, and Mary Winburn.

A Rosary will be held at Harbor Lawn-Mt. Olive Memorial Park in Costa Mesa on Monday, December 19th at 7:00 p.m.; with the Vigil from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.; A Funeral Mass is to be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, December 20th at St. John the Baptist Church, Fr. Phillip Smith officiating, followed by military honors by the U.S. Navy. A private interment is scheduled later, at the Riverside National Cemetery, Riverside, California.

In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to Hugh’s favorite charity: Saint Vincent De Paul Society of Orange County at svdpoc.org

Arrangements under the direction of Harbor Lawn-Mt. Olive Memorial Park & Mortuary, Costa Mesa, CA.