February 14, 1921 (Port Chester, NY) – May 18, 1945; 24 years old
Unmarried
Last local address: Pearl Street, Norwalk
Enlisted July 3, 1942
Service number: 31190346
Unit: 936th Field Artillery Battalion, Battery C
Born to Thomas (1883-1961) and Catherine Mulcahy Gaffney (1890-1945). In census data, both parents listed “Irish Free State” as their birth place. One sister, Mary C. Gaffney Brown (1925-), and one brother, Owen E. (1920-1958). Corporal Gaffney’s mother died on February 20, 1945, after a long illness, just three months before.
Corporal Gaffney died suddenly while home on furlough.
From The Norwalk Hour, May 19, 1945
CORPORAL THOMAS J. GAFFNEY DIES SUDDENLY AT HOME
Corporal Thomas J. Gaffney of the United States Army died at his home, Pearl Street, yesterday morning. Corporal Gaffney is survived by his father, Thomas Gaffney; one sister, Miss Mary Gaffney and one brother, Owen Gaffney, all of this city. Corporal Gaffney was with the United States Army 936th Field Artillery Battalion and was overseas in active service for two years, coming back to the United States in April on a 45-day recuperation period. Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced later by A.J. Collins Company.
From The Norwalk Hour May 22, 1945
Funeral services for Cpl Thomas J. Gaffney of the U.S. Army who died Friday morning at his home on Pearl Street were largely attended this morning at the Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Avenue, and at 9 o’clock in St. Mary’s Church where a solemn requiem mass was said with the Rev Clement Shea, Celebrant; the Rev Joseph McCarthy, deacon, and Rev John Karsah, sub-deacon. As the cortege entered the church, Miss Frances Smith sang “Softly and Tenderly” at the offertory, “Ave Maria,” at the conclusion of the mass, “Absent”, at the recessional, “America.” The bearers were: Cpl Morrison L. Wilson, Sgt Paul V. Hesby, Pvt A. Gallaway, Pvt Orvit Sutphin, and Cpl Augustus A. Vaneck, all from Bradley Field, Windsor Locks. Burial took place in St. John’s Cemetery where committal services were conducted by Father Shea. Taps were sounded by Bugler Harold Havens.
Corporal Gaffney is buried in St. John’s Cemetery, 223 Richards Avenue, Norwalk, Connecticut; Section A2, Lots 979-980 Grave 979. Photo by webmaster.
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