TAMPA - Martin Davis Gaffney, 87, of Tampa, FL passed away March 31, 2008 at his residence.
Mr. Gaffney was born October 5, 1920 in Haines City, FL, one of ten children. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, serving with the 96th Bomb Group in Europe during World War II, where he met and married his bride of 63 years, Rita “Scotty”. After the end of the World War, Mr. Gaffney continued to serve his country until his retirement from the Air Force in 1964 with the rank of Master Sergeant. After his military career, Mr. Gaffney worked for several years as a construction superintendent at Veterans Village in New Port Ritchey. Mr. Gaffney was a wonderful storyteller, reminiscing about his experiences in World War II and life in early Florida. He was a member of the 96th Bomb Group Association, the Eighth Air Force Historical Society and the Air Force Sergeants Association.
Mr. Gaffney is survived by his wife, Rita; sons, Steve of Tampa and Barry of Plant City; daughter-in-laws Sheila and Cathy; grandsons, Scott (wife Beth) and David of Tampa, Jeremy of Birmingham, Alabama, and Daniel of Tuscaloosa, Alabama; great granddaughters who he adored, Wrenna and Kaili of Tampa; sisters, Joyce Wood of Haines City, and Jessie Richard of Oneonta, Alabama; brother-in-law Cyril Silver (wife Roberta) of Tampa; several nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be Wednesday 4/2/08 from 2-3 pm at Oak Ridge Funeral Care, Haines City with the funeral following at 3 pm in the chapel. Condolences may be sent via www.oakridgefuneralcare.com
