Hornell, New York

Patricia A. “Pat” Gaffney – (89) – of Rochester, NY, formerly of 42 William St., Hornell, died Thursday evening (February 8, 2024) at St. Ann’s Community Nursing Facility in Webster, NY after living a full, loving, happy life.

Born in White Plains, NY on October 24, 1934, she was the daughter of James & Dorothy (Alley) Mullen.

Pat grew up in White Plains and was a graduate of White Plains High School (class of 1952). In 1954, she graduated from SUNY Cobleskill with an Associate’s Degree in Food Service Administration.

While attending Cobleskill she met the man she would spend the rest of her life training, the love of her life Bob Gaffney.

She briefly resided in Endicott, NY where she was employed as cafeteria manager for the Endicott school system. She resided in Apalachin, NY, Scotia, NY & Oneonta, NY. While living in Oneonta she served as a secretary for the Catskills Area Study Council. Settling in Hornell, NY in 1972 where she was an active member of the community. Pat, alongside Bob, were regular fixtures at Hornell sporting events cheering on their children, grandchildren and area youth. In later years she could be found in her corner seat of the “A” Gym. Pat and Bob enjoyed attending community and school functions such as HS Band and Choir concerts, HS Theatre productions, Hornell Wind Ensemble, and Hornell Rotary Plays. Pat found great joy visiting her out-of-town children and grandchildren.

She served as a volunteer for several local organizations, including St. James Mercy Hospital, the Hornell Salvation Army, where she was also a member of the Board of Directors, and was a Cinderella softball coach just to name a few.

Pat was an active member of the United Presbyterian Church, Hornell, NY, serving as a Deacon and singing in the choir. She was an Honorary Hornell Rotarian involved in many activities as well as a Paul Harris Fellow recipient. Pat enjoyed music throughout her lifetime, from playing the Bass Violin in high school, singing in choir and a quartet at Cobleskill, to being a member of Sweet Adeline’s and the Hornell Community Choir where she sang in many Christmas Cantatas. She was an avid gardener, which was evident to anyone who went past her home. “The Mom” was a fierce animal lover and a wonderful cook and baker. She also enjoyed reading, sewing, painting, crafting and knitting. She was a world traveler, Bob said “he dragged her all over the world!” But by far her favorite time was spent with her family.

She was preceded in death by her parents James & Dorothy (Alley) Mullen, her son Kevin Gaffney and brother-in-law James Finch.

Pat was married on July 28, 1956 to Robert “Bob” Gaffney who survives. Also surviving are daughters, Kathleen (Michael) McDaniels of Machias, NY and Sharon (John) Tallman of Lynchburg , VA; sons, Thomas (Kathleen) Gaffney of Brockport, NY and Sëan (Michele) Gaffney of Hornell; 1 sister, Jean Finch of Cummings, GA; 16 grandchildren, Megan McDaniels, Brendan McDaniels, Brianne (Cooper) White, Nicholas (Lindsay) Tallman, Kara (Nathan) Ozmint, Allison (Jacob) Woodrum, Rebecca (Britton) Lee, Robert Gaffney, James Gaffney, Elizabeth (Tre) Jones, Katie Gaffney, Connor Gaffney, Cassandra Gaffney, Ryan (Emily) Gaffney, Hope Gaffney and Lily Gaffney; 8 great-grandchildren, several nieces & nephews, including Sally (Ronald) Campbell and Douglas (Sandra) Finch as well as several cousins and friends.

The family of Patricia A. “Pat” Gaffney will receive friends on Friday, February 16th from 3:00 PM until 5:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. A Memorial Service will be held on February 17th at 10:00 AM at the United Presbyterian Church, 150 Main St., Hornell, NY with Rev. David Kilgore officiating. Final interment will be in Hornell-Rural Cemetery.

Pat’s family suggests that memorial contributions in her name be made to the Hornell YMCA, 12 Center St., Hornell, NY 14843 or the Hornell United Presbyterian Church, 150 Main St., Hornell, NY 14843. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home

To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com.