Richard Gaffney
October 20, 1948 – September 24, 2026
Richard Gaffney, 77, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away on September 24, 2026, in the comfort of his home in O’Fallon, Missouri, surrounded by his family.
Richard was born October 20, 1948, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Joseph and Dorothy Gaffney. Born and raised in St. Louis, his South City roots remained an important part of his life story. He was always happy to recount the many adventures he had around the city with his friends and family.
Richard attended St. Mary’s High School, where he played football for the Dragons, graduating in 1967.
In August 1969, Richard enlisted in the United States Air Force and proudly served during the Vietnam War, with assignments in Germany and at Malmstrom AFB in Great Falls, Montana. He completed his service in 1973, receiving an honorable discharge at the rank of sergeant.
Richard was a proud member of UAW Local 2250 and worked at Lear Corporation for 22 years before retiring in 2024.
A lifelong St. Louis Blues fan, Richard followed the team from its inaugural season in 1967. He loved attending and watching games and, even more, sharing his fandom with those closest to him. Gatherings centered around his favorite teams and sporting events were always a source of happiness and connection.
A man of many talents and passions, Richard spent his free time drawing, painting, reading, and writing. He had a passion for photography, especially when it came to capturing family memories. Music was always playing, creating a memorable soundtrack to his life. An avid film lover, Richard delighted in quoting favorite lines from movies spanning the decades. Great Scott!
Above all, Richard loved his family. He will be remembered for his endless wit and humor, which he shared so freely. The stories he loved to tell will continue to be told, along with the family memories he so lovingly helped create. His spirit and joy will echo through the laughter and love he brought to those around him.
Richard is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Kristine; his three children, Patrick (Sarah), Kaitlin (Kyle White), and Sean (Nicole); his brother, Jack (Jeannie); and his eight grandchildren, who affectionately called him “Paw Paw.” He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Dorothy Gaffney.
A celebration of life will be held at a date in the near future. Information will be updated here when details are finalized.
In remembrance of Richard’s life, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.
Rich is a St. Mary’s High School Alumnus – Class of 1967. On behalf of his classmates, I extend our most heartfelt sympathy to his family and friends. Also know that we share in your sorrow and grieve for your loss. Special mention and offerings of condolences to Rich’s classmates (as am I) and to those students, who at one time or another, were either upper classmates or under classmates of his, and who may have known him personally or “of him” as someone they passed in the hallways, shared a table with at lunchtime or maybe even participated in some of the same extra-curricular activities that Rich did from the time he enrolled as a Freshman in September of 1963 until the time he graduated as a Senior in June of 1967.
Although Rich is gone from this life, his spirit has been and always will be on the Campus of St. Mary’s and where, on his very first day of class was bestowed the eternal honor of becoming a “Son of Mary.” And just as it has been since then, daily prayers will continue to be said, and daily masses will continue to be offered for him by the Brothers of Mary.
Finally, whenever the Dragons of ’67 gather and talk turns to the days of ole lang syne, as it always does, Rich will be remembered and never forgotten.