John Taaffe

Born in Lower Manhattan, he moved to Great Kills in 1957.

Mr. Taaffe worked as a longshoreman for about 60 years, mostly in Manhattan. He was a member of the International Longshoremen’s Association.

“My dad’s bright blue eyes and big Irish smile definitely contributed to his charming personality.” said his daughter, Lorraine Downing. “He will be missed by all.”

“He enjoyed trips to Atlantic City and was a dedicated Yankees fan,” said his daughter, Maureen Schiaffino.

Mr. Taaffe’s family was very important to him and he was extremely proud to be an American.

His wife of 67 years, the former Kathryn Sheehan, died in 2006. His grandson, Christopher Schiaffino, died in 2011.

Surviving, along with his daughters, are his sons, John, Patrick (Bob) and Dennis; seven grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.

The funeral service will be tomorrow at 10:30 a.m. in the Casey-McCallum-Rice South Shore Funeral Home, Great Kills. Burial will follow in Moravian Cemetery, New Dorp.