Edward Gaffney

Edward Gaffney, beloved longtime resident of Moon Township, PA passed away peacefully, surrounded by his five daughters on September 1st, two days shy of his 82nd birthday.  Edward was a man of strong faith who will be remembered by all who he encountered. Born in Burnbank, Hamilton, Scotland on September 3, 1942, he was the fourth of seven children of his parents, James and Bridget Gaffney. A brilliant and talented man, Edward was top of his class in school. He attended night school to become a mechanical engineer for Rolls Royce Aircraft Engines. His distinguished career began at the age of 19.  He worked for Rolls Royce for over 47 years. He became a supervisor who looked after the Rolls Royce engines for airlines all over North America earning the title of Senior General Manager and Sales Representative. He helped airlines such as PSA, Delta, US Airways, American Airlines, and various larger and smaller regional airlines worldwide. Edward was regarded as an expert in his field. Many consulted him for his knowledge, and he often provided solutions for challenging problems in the industry. During his career and travels, he met many friends and coworkers that he held in high esteem. He cherished these friendships, and often was known for a story or two.

Edward’s greatest love was his wife, Caroline. They met at church in their hometown in Scotland. They married on January 21,1967. They were blessed with five lassies, Jacqueline, Patricia, Paula, Jennifer, and Kathryn. Their life was full of adventures that included immigrating from Scotland to Quebec and Montreal, Canada, and later to the United States. They hopped across the US from Georgia to California and back, and eventually landed in Moon Twp, PA in 1992. Many people knew Edward from his beautiful singing voice. A 32 year member of the St. James choir, his passion for faith was often expressed in song. Edward was a great believer in praying the Rosary. People found comfort hearing his Scottish brogue while praying at both St. James Church In Sewickley and at St. Margaret Mary’s Church in Moon. After he retired in 2008, he became an active member in the Moon Township Rotary Club. His favorite event was the yearly Corn Roast. Edward could often be spotted walking around his neighborhood, where he enjoyed meeting and talking with neighbors.

Edward was the cherished father of Jacqueline (Jim) Hebdon Sahagun, of San Diego, CA, Patricia (Byron) Waldrop, of Muscle Shoals, AL, Paula Gaffney (Chris Riggins), of Atlanta, GA, Jennifer (Kerry) Maloney of Franklin, TN and Kathryn (Eric) Fogle of Moon Twp. Loving grandfather of Summerann and Adam Busk, Henry and Grace Waldrop, Jimmy and Jack Maloney and Ben, Bridget and Caroline Fogle. Great-grandfather of Seraphina and Emerson Campbell. Along with his parents and wife, Edward was preceded in death by his siblings, Catherine Lawson, Sr. Janie Gaffney and Jim Gaffney.

Edward was a loving father. He recognized that each of his daughters had their own talents, and that God loved when they used their gifts. He continued this encouragement and love with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was an advocate of being generous to others and being kind to all.

Friends will be received at the R.D. Copeland Funeral Home, 981 Brodhead Road, Moon Twp on Wednesday, September 4th from 2 – 4 and 6 – 8 pm.  A prayer service will be held at the funeral home on Thursday, September 5th at 9:45 am followed by Mass of Christian Burial at St James Church – Divine Redeemer Parish, Sewickley at 10:30 AM. Interment will follow in the Resurrection Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations in Edward's name be sent to either: Our Lady’s Food Pantry, 1504 Woodcrest Avenue, Coraopolis, PA 15108 or West Hills Food Bank, 522 Carnot Road, Moon Twp, PA 15108 www.westhillsfoodpantry.org

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