Deceased: 2006-03-08
Diocese: CAMDEN
CSM Graduation Year: 1958
Rev. Msgr. James Gaffney Passed on March 8, 2006 aged 79. at Virtua Hospital, Voorhees.
Former Pastor at St. Mary’s, Gloucester. Msgr. Gaffney retired in November 1996 and had since resided at Sacred Heart Residence in Cherry Hill.
Born in Boston, Massachusetts, Msgr. Gaffney attended college at St. John’s College (MD), LaSalle University, (PA), Catholic University (Wash, DC), St.Patrick’s College Maynorth CoKedar, Ireland. He was ordained June 18, 1950 Waterford, Ireland- Cathedral by the Most Rev. Daniel Cohalan.
His parish assignments: Pastor (1983-1995), St. Mary’s, Gloucester; Pastor (1977-1983) St. Joan Arc, Camden; Pastor (1969-1977) Most Holy Redeemer, Westville Grove; Pastor (1966-1969) St. John Bosco, Millville; Pastor (1961-1966) Holy Name of Jesus, Mullica Hill; Parochial Vicar (February-June1961) St. Catherine of Sienna, Clayton; Parochial Vicar (1959-1961) St.Patrick’s, Woodbury; Parochial Vicar (1958-1959) Holy Name, Camden; Parochial Vicar (July-August 1958) St. Joseph’s, Camden; Advanced Studies (1955-1958) North American College, Rome and Parochial Vicar (1950-1955) Sacred Heart, Camden.
He was appointed to Dean of Camden County (South) on September 15, 1983 and Dean of Camden County (North) September 15, 1985. He was reappointed Dean of Camden County (North) on September 15, 1985. He held three two-year terms on the Inter-Parochial Planning Board. He served three three-year terms on Diocesan Board of Consultors. He served six 2-year terms on the Diocesan Ecumenical Commission. He also served four two-year terms on the Diocesan Conciliation. He was appointed to Special Committee on Pastors on September 20, 1991. ‘Prelate of His Holiness’ on December 14, 1977. He was also appointed to a two-year term on Inter-Parochial Cooperation Planning Board on September 1, 1976. Appointed to a two-year term of Priest Council-Gloucester County, May 1,1972 and appointed Pro-Synodal Judge on August 29, 1958.
He is survived by two brothers Dennis of Colorado Springs, CO and Patrick of London England and sister Camilla O’Keefe of County Cork, Ireland.
The viewing will be held from 3:00 PM – 7:30 PM on Friday, March 10, 2006 and from 9:30 AM -10:30 on Saturday, March 11, 2006 at St. Mary RC Church, Monmouth Street, Gloucester.
The Mass of Jesus Christ the High Priest will be celebrated at 8:00 PM on Friday, March 10, 2006. Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, March 11, 2006 at 11:00 AM at St.Mary’s Church, Gloucester. Most Rev. Joseph A. Galante will be Principal Celebrant and Monsignor James Curran will be the homilist. Interment in New. St. Mary’s Cemetery in Bellmawr, NJ.
