Herbert Alfred Gaffney Jr.

Herbert Alfred Gaffney Jr. of The Colony (formerly Coppell), Texas, better known to friends and family as Buddy, 81, passed away from vascular complications on April 22nd, 2022. He was born December 6th, 1940 in Margaret Hague Maternity Hospital, Jersey City, NJ to parents Herbert Alfred and Mary Healy Gaffney.

The youngest son of five children, he grew up in Jersey City. Attended Dickinson High School then Ocean County College where he earned an Associates Degree. He served in the US Army from 1963 until 1965.

A keen musician, Buddy played a baritone bugle in St. Patrick’s Cadets then in the Archer Epler Musketeers. After he returned from the Army, he joined the New York Skyliners Drum & Bugle Corps. He became fast friends with Bob Holton, the Color Guard Captain in the Skyliners, who gave Buddy his first start in what would become a long, successful career in credit with companies such as Sportcraft, Adidas and Russell Newman.

On November 9th, 1968, Buddy married Norma Joan (Callahan) Gaffney at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Bergenfield, New Jersey. Two years later, their son was born, followed by a daughter. In 1980, the family moved to Texas.

Buddy loved flying the American flag at the front of his house and the Texas flag in the back, enjoying long leisure pool days, after he retired, with his grandchildren that lovingly referred to him as Papaw. He was well known for the Little Debbie snacks and peanut M&Ms he kept in the fridge for himself, his grandkids, and anyone visiting their home. He was fond of annual trips to the beach and fishing off the South Padre pier. He will be remembered as a kind and jovial soul, quick to make friends and always willing to share a cold beer and good conversation.

A devout Catholic, Buddy had his evening prayers written out for him after suffering a stroke in 2020 to ensure he could remember the words. On April 22nd, 2022, Buddy’s soul was reunited in eternal peace with Our Lord & Savior.

Preceded in death by his parents. Buddy is survived by his wife of 53 years, Norma, his son Jason (Rebecca) Gaffney, daughter Megan Grabiec; Grandchildren: Jason Patrick and Grant Gaffney, Catherine, Elizabeth and Madeline Grabiec; Siblings: Anne Robinson, Edward Gaffney, Paul Gaffney, and Catherine Core.

His life will be celebrated with a Rosary & Memorial service at Rolling Oaks Funeral home on Thursday, June 16th at 5:30 pm, followed by Mass at St. Ann’s Catholic Church on Friday, June 17th, 2022 at 2:30 pm. Flowers appreciated; donations in lieu of flowers may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

Buddy extends an Irish Blessing on you all:

May the road rise up to meet you.

May the wind be always at your back.

May the sun shine warm upon your face;

And the rains fall soft upon your fields,

Until we meet again,

may God hold you in the palm of His hand.

~ Author Unknown