Edward J. Gaffney Maj USAF (Ret)

 

Edward “Ed” J. Gaffney

Born in Topeka, Kansas, Ed was raised in a military family that moved to many places in the states and abroad.  He met his wife, Mary, in high school while participating in band in Bellevue, Nebraska.  He entered the U.S. Air Force in 1975 and was stationed at Keesler Air Force Base (AFB) in Biloxi, Mississippi; a site in LaJunta, Colorado; Whiteman AFB in Sedalia, Missouri; Mather AFB in Sacramento, California; Hellenikon AFB in Athens, Greece; and Offutt AFB in Bellevue, Nebraska.  In the midst of his service, he and Mary had two children: Jamie and Shawn.  During his tenure as a navigator he served in the Persian Gulf War in 1991.  Ed retired from active military service in 1997.  He remained in Bellevue and completed the majority of his civilian career by supporting the U.S. Air Force as a contractor. Ed enjoyed the simple things in life such as spending time with family, going to watch his grandchildren’s school and extracurricular events, playing golf, listening to music, grilling, fixing and building things for the house.

Preceded in death by his father Orville Gaffney; father-in-law Wayne Fleischmann.

Survived by his wife of 48 years Mary; daughter Jamie Bunting (Matt); son Shawn Gaffney (Christine); grandchildren Elodie and Finn Bunting; mother Illma Gaffney; mother-in-law Eunice Fleischmann; siblings Mike Gaffney (Karen), Terrie Bruch (Erich), Barb Cirillo, Pat Gaffney (Michelle); Robert Gaffney; many nieces and nephews.

Graveside Service:  Friday, January 20, 2:30 p.m., Omaha National Cemetery

To view video of the Graveside Service, click the link below.

https://boxcast.tv/view/edward-j-gaffney-nciucdr0q0f49nk3j7sm

Military Honors:  Offutt Air Force Base Honor Guard & American Legion Post 331

In lieu of flowers, memorials suggested to Moving Veterans Forward / www.mvfne.org or Disabled American Veterans / www.dav.org.

Please join the family at Jerzes Sports Bar located at 501 Olson Drive in Papillion after the service and until 6 p.m. to share stories and celebrate his life.

14 Comments

  • Roger Brunette Posted January 13, 2023 9:13 pm

    I have known Ed for many years during our Air Force career while stationed at La Junta, Co during the early 1970s. Our families became good friends and spent a lot of quality time together cooking hamburgers and steaks on the grill, playing softball, pitching horseshoes, playing tennis and just enjoying time spent together. When we were stationed in Germany, Ed flew into Ramstein AB and looked us up. We were so excited about seeing him again. We sat for hours just talking and catching up, while Sheryl hemmed up his new blues pants that he just bought. We kept in touch with each other over the years, and every year while traveling to Minnesota, where Sheryl’s home was, we would make reservations at Offutt AFB and look up Ed nd Mary. We would have dinner with them and would catch up with family news. It was such a joy to see him and Mary. Ed will be truly missed and our hearts are heavy for his loss. Our condolences and love go out to his family.

  • Steve Nachtwey Posted January 14, 2023 9:44 am

    Ed Gaffney was a consummate professional, patriot, husband & father. I flew with Ed and consider him a good friend. I am saddened to hear of his passing and my sincerest thoughts and condolences go out to Mary, Jamie & Shawn. Rest In Peace Ed! We’ll miss you!

    Steve Nachtwey

    • Bill Lockwood Posted January 15, 2023 8:03 am

      Ed and I were both Navigators in the 38 SRS and were on many TDYs together all over the world. He was a very good navigator and a great friend. I will keep Ed and his family in my prayers. Gone West way too soon. Till we meet again my friend.

  • Amanda Gaffney Posted January 14, 2023 2:49 pm

    My dearest condolences to our whole family you will be missed so very much and we’re loved by so many! From your family in Ohio this has imapacted the family very deeply! Thank you to everyone who is showing support to the family it’s very much needed at this time!

  • Terrie (Gaffney) Bruch Posted January 16, 2023 6:40 am

    My big brother was my rock and my sounding board.. He was supportive, understanding, compassionate and gave great advice. We laughed, cried and listened to each other when needed. He left us a part of him that neither time nor even death can ever take away. So big brother, no matter your pain, hurt and suffering the lord has now raised you up on angels wings and is holding you in the palm of his hands. You will be missed but I know I will see you again.

  • Jack Franz Posted January 16, 2023 9:36 am

    Ed slipped the surly bonds of Earth and danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings; now he touches the face of God. He was a friend to everyone and will be remembered by all.

  • David Daub Posted January 17, 2023 8:45 am

    What a shock. Major Gaffney was a great crewmate, friend, and the best Nav in SAC. When you have the Secretary of Defense, or the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff on board and they need to get to their destination safe, and “on time”, you wanted Major Gaffney at the Nav table. I had the pleasure of having Major Gaffney give me my last oath of enlistment. Ed my friend, you will be missed. May you rest in peace in our Father’s House.

  • Rich Schermer Posted January 17, 2023 12:35 pm

    Ed was a giant of a man, I’m so thankful for all he did for our nation, the Air Force and the 55th Wing. I’m also grateful for the time I got to spend working by his side…he was a true gentleman, and taught me so much. Prayers for Ed’s family and all who are impacted by his passing.

  • Kurt Koenigsfeld Posted January 17, 2023 6:58 pm

    What a tremendous honor to have known and worked with Ed. He was always so friendly and took the time to chat, work through issues, but most importantly – smile. He will be missed. Thoughts and prayers to the entire family.

  • John “Box” Elder Posted January 18, 2023 3:09 pm

    Mary and family, Its been a long time since the 38 SRS and all the following assignments in the Recce world. Ed was a super navigator, fellow officer, and most of all a friend for many years. It would be impossible to begin to describe the hours Ed anf I spent both airborne and on some TDY. Laurie and I send our prayers to your family. With deepest sympathy, Box Elder

  • Tim Spaeth Posted January 19, 2023 1:12 pm

    Ed was a great friend and gave you his opinion whether you liked it or not. I had the opportunity to fly with him many times during my tenure at Offutt. I even bought his 1970 Chevy Pick up from him. Wish I still had it. Rest in peace, my friend.

  • Tom Kimmet Posted January 20, 2023 11:23 am

    What a constant professional. Ed was a revered crew member of the Strategic Air Command, Casey-01 flight crew. There was nothing he wouldn’t do for you and always had a greeting smile. Rest well, ED! This world is a lot emptier without you in it. RIP

  • Amy Jorgensen Posted January 20, 2023 1:46 pm

    I had the great honor to work with Ed as a fellow contractor and also meet his some of his wonderful family. I enjoyed working with him and I’m very grateful for all he did for our Nation. My deepest condolences to his family. My prayers are with all of you.

  • Chuck “D.B.” Cooper Posted January 21, 2023 3:33 pm

    I remember Ed with great respect and affection. He was a top-notch navigator, instructor and mentor! I replaced Ed at Hellenikon AB in Athens just before the world changed with Desert Storm and we moved ops down to Souda Bay and elsewhere. It was an honor to serve with Ed in the 38th and he left a long legacy of Service Before Self to the RC-135 community. Godspeed Brother! Prayers for comfort and peace to Mary and the entire Gaffney Clan

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