Dr. Thomas L. Gaffney

Kittery- Dr. Thomas L. Gaffney Phd, 83, good friend, historian, curator of manuscripts at the Maine Historical Society (1971-86) and director from 1977-81, passed away December 20, 2022 at his home in Kittery.
The son of Charles P. and Etta M. (Roberge) Gaffney, he was born in Long Beach, California on September 11, 1939, grew up in Kittery, Maine, his mother's hometown. Tom was proud of his Irish and Franco-American descent, something he shared with his two brothers, Charles P. Jr. (deceased) and Dennis J. Gaffney of Eliot, Maine.He graduated from Robert W. Traip Academy, Kittery in 1958 and then entered the University of Maine, Orono.
In 1962, he graduated with honors in history as a commissioned 2nd Lieutenant in the US. Army. From 1962 to 1965 he then served as Captain and Assistant Chief of Operations assigned to the U.S. Army Petroleum District Command at the Donges Terminal District, which ran from St. Nazaire, France to Germany. Upon completing his service Tom returned to the University of Maine, Orono, where he earned his M.A. and Ph.D. in American History.
Tom began his work at Maine Historical Society under the directorship of his respected friend, Gerald E. Morris. Tom's mentorship of younger researchers had few equals and few could match his knowledge of Maine History. When Jerry Morris left Maine Historical for Mystic Seaport, Tom, somewhat reluctantly, became the third professional director, while remaining in charge of manuscripts and editing the MHS Quarterly In 1981, the Trustees honored Gaffney's "extraordinary efforts to advance Maine Historical Society during a critical turning-point in the institutions 157 years of development." It was during Tom's administration that the Society launched a major capital funds campaign, secured a National Endowment for the Humanities Challenge Grant and improved educational services to members, scholars and the general public.
After stepping down from the directorship, he continued in his curatorial position, which he held until his resignation on December 30, 1986. In 1989 Tom returned to serving the public by becoming the Special Collections Librarian of the Portland Room at the Portland Public Library. He was there until his retirement in August 2005.
Tom was predeceased by his parents and brother, Charles. He is survived by brother Dennis and partner Joan Pelkey of Eliot, sister-in-law Maryanne Gaffney of Kittery, nephew Michael Gaffney of Burbank, CA. He is also survived by his uncle Dr. Wilbur Roberge of Franklin, N.H. and numerous cousins.
Friends are invited to visit with his family on Wednesday December 28, 2022 from 10am-noon, followed by a funeral at noon in the JS Pelkey and Son Funeral Home 125 Old Post Road Kittery Maine 03904. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.jspelkeyfuneralhome.com. Care for the Gaffney family has been entrusted to the JS Pelkey and Son Funeral Home;