Becker, MN / Hornell, NY
Kevin M. Gaffney, 64, of Becker, Minnesota passed away Thursday afternoon (November 2, 2023) following a brief illness.
Born in Niskayuna, NY on October 7, 1959, he was the son of Robert and Patricia (Mullen) Gaffney.
Kevin spent the majority of his childhood in Oneonta NY before moving to Hornell NY in 1972. He was a graduate of Hornell High School (Class of 1977). Kevin then went on to graduate from SUNY Fredonia (Class of 1981). He was a competitive athlete playing soccer, basketball and track & field where he was a long, triple and high jumper at HHS. Kevin continued his love of track and field at SUNY Fredonia.
After graduating college, Kevin started his long career in the business world beginning in Sales, then starting his own business, and moving onto the role of Facilities Director for several different school districts, colleges and universities.
In the words of his father, “he marched to his own drummer.” Kevin was bigger than life with the tall tales to match. He was quick with a joke, laugh or a touch of kindness for everyone. He never lost his love of sports, including being a long suffering Minnesota Vikings fan. He loved his parents, siblings, children and his Minnesota family very much.
In addition to his parents, Kevin is survived by his three children, Kaitlin, Aubrey and Cassie Gaffney; siblings Kathleen (Michael) McDaniels, Thomas (Kathy) Gaffney, Sharon (John) Tallman, Sean (Michele) Gaffney; 13 nieces and nephews; the love of his life Barb Knutson and her children Chantel, Cassie, & Chrissie; grandchildren Courtney, Cody and Cheyenne; and many friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, November 10, 2023 at The Main Place, 251 Main Street, Hornell NY from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM. Please join the family as we share our memories of Kevin.
Local arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church Street, Hornell, NY.
Kevin’s family requests that memorial contributions in his name be made to the Hornell Alumni Association, PO Box 135, Hornell NY 14843.
To leave an online condolence or share a memory, please visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com.
To the family of Kevin Gaffney,
I was stunned by his passing and on Sunday I lit a 3 day candle for him at my church.
I am also sorry that I will not be able to celebrate his life on Friday, November 10 I will be remember him in my daily mass.
Rest in peace Kevin and my God bring comfort to his family.
Shocked and saddened do not fully describe the feelings around Kevin’s friends in Minnesota. A wonderful twist of fate brought Kevin to Monticello, MN. His wit, outgoing personality and ability to draw in your attention to his tale was amazing. He was quick to offer help or listen to another, whether they were new acquaintance or not. He adjusted to the ‘Minnesotan’ pace (little slower and quieter) but when talking with a transplant from New Jersey, you could see a smile as he knew he could resume ‘normal’ east coast speed. People come and go here without leaving a mark, Kevin left a dent. We’ll miss him.