John Raymond Gaffrey

John Raymond Gaffrey, 82, of Virginia Beach, VA, passed away on May 6, 2025.
John was born September 13, 1942, in Lake Mills, Iowa, the son of Anton Gaffrey and Catherine Kelsch. He grew up in Little Falls, MN. John graduated from Little Falls High School in 1959, then went on to enlist in the United States Navy. He served as a Radioman and received many commendations, retiring at the rank of Senior Chief in 1986. President Jimmy Carter called John a pioneer in space technology for his work in satellite communications.
John married Florence T. Shreeves on May 27, 1972 at St. Brigid Catholic Church in Westbury, Long Island. They met on a blind date, and both knew they were the one for each other immediately. They were married for 52 years and had one daughter, Theresa, and two sons, Brian and Christopher. In 1977, John and Florence moved to Virginia Beach.
After retiring from the Navy, John worked for many years as a technical writer for various defense contractor companies, until his retirement.
John loved stamp and coin collecting, history (especially military history), documentaries, and reading. He was a patron of the arts and music, especially projects involving his family. He had a love for cars and would service his own vehicles when it was something he could do. He especially loved food and cooking for his wife, children, and grandchildren, especially "papa's ribs." He was a dedicated father and grandfather, and he adopted people in his neighborhood as surrogate children.
John was a faithful communicant at the Catholic Church of St. Mark and a founding member of the parish. He was especially devoted to the Divine Mercy message.
John is survived by his spouse of 52 years Florence, his children Theresa, Brian, and Christopher (Fr. Chris), grandchildren Andrew Sokolowski and Alex Cogar, his sister Ann Clark and his brothers Jim (Betty) and Kelly (Dolly), his nephews and nieces and extended family. He was predeceased by his brothers Tony, Frank and Lee.
Visitation will be held May 19, 2025 from 6 - 8 PM at Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home, 1485 Kempsville Rd, Virginia Beach, VA. Further visitation will be held May 20, 2025 at 10 AM with Funeral Mass to follow at 11 AM at the Catholic Church of St. Mark, 1505 Kempsville Rd, Virginia Beach, VA. The mass will be live-streamed on the St. Mark's Facebook page (www.facebook.com/CatholicChurchOfStMark/). Military honors and a reception will follow at the church. Following cremation, interment will be at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in John's memory may be directed to either the Catholic Church of St. Mark or the Gaffrey Foundation for Education Corporation (www.gaffrey.us).