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BORN
1932
DIED
2025
FUNERAL HOME
Matthew Gaffney Obituary
01/21/1932 - 09/26/2025
Matt was born in San Francisco and passed gently surrounded by his family, including Enzo and his caregiver, Shannon. Matt grew up in the Mission District. After attending Maryknoll Seminary, he earned a degree in History at USF. He then joined the Army and completed his two years of service in England before returning to USF for his teaching credential, Matt started teaching history at Pelton Junior High School where he met Joan, his wife of 60 years, and his lifelong friends, Tony, Jean, Pat, Joe and Judy. After he ended his career in public education as an assistant principal at Aptos Middle School, he worked in the Environmental Education Department at the EPA, where he met his dear friends Stacey and Roxanne.
In their Millbrae home, Matt and Joan raised Ann Lorraine, hosted countless joyous family gatherings, and barbecued and made memories with neighbors who became family.
Matt and Joan built a home on the edge of the Arata Family cherry orchard. In Stockton, Matt enjoyed going to his coffee club as often as possible, and taking Italian classes. He reveled in picking cherries and gathering walnuts for his lovingly prepared and eagerly anticipated gift packages.
Matt was a voracious reader of history and mysteries. He and Joan loved traveling with friends, Sicily, Normandy, Tuscany, Alaska, Elderhostel trips and Ashland's Shakespeare Festival.
Matt will be remembered for his quiet calm way, his wry chuckle, and twinkling glance,
Predeceased include his parents, his sisters Helen and Eleanor, his wife Joan, and their infant son Paul Angelo. Surviving are his daughter Ann Lorraine; his siblings Margaret, Juan Pedro and Ed (Áine O'Healy); and his beloved and adoring nieces, nephews and cousins.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Matt's memory may be made to St. Mary's Community Services, Stockton Food Bank, or the charity of your choice.
A Mass of Thanksgiving for Matthew Thomas Gaffney will take place at 11 AM on Saturday, November 1, at Holy Cross Church in Linden.
A celebration will follow at the Waterloo Gun and Bocce Club in Stockton.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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