1958

santaclaramagazine@gmail.com

Daniel P. Gaffney ’58 passed away at home on October 4, 2014, in Petaluma, California, from stomach cancer. He was 80 years old. Dan was raised by his grandparents who had 11 children of their own. His sister Beth resides in Boise, Idaho. He is survived by his wife of thirty years, Bea, his children Tim, Greg, Karen, and Maureen Gaffney, and his step-hildren Raegen Flinkingshelt, Rebecca Dunn, Jason Beardslee, and ten grand children. Dan received a baseball scholarship from Santa Clara University where he received his undergraduate degree. He received his Masters Degree from San Francisco State. Dan taught a combined 31 years at Serra, Boonville, and Analy High Schools. He was proud to say he taught whatever subject the school needed, which included 18 years of Special Ed. He coached football, baseball and girl’s basketball. He ended his career at Laguna Continuation School in 1990, but kept in contact with many of his students and those he coached. Dan played semi-pro baseball into his 40’s and during the summers he was a commercial fisherman. He loved the ocean whether he was on it or near it. He was Governor of the Moose in Petaluma for two years. After retiring, he and Bea traveled overseas and took many road trips throughout the U. S. and Canada, some up to four months long. They especially enjoyed the National Parks. He was also "Handy Dan the Fix-It Man" for many years. He enjoyed helping people. In later years he enjoyed working on scroll saw projects, and no one ever left the Gaffney home without one of his creations. He was also known to give abalone key chains to friends and Bea’s students. He would say "give it a rub and it will bring you good luck.

08 Nov 2018