James D. “Monk” Gaffney, Sr., 91, of N. Utica, passed away on Friday, February 1, 2019, at home with his family by his side. James was born in Utica on August 29, 1927, a son of James H. and Margaret (Schilz) Gaffney. He was raised and educated in the Utica schools and proudly served in the US Army. At St. Peter’s Church, N. Utica, on February 26, 1949, he was united in marriage to Alyce M. Manzinger, a blessed union of 44 years until her death in 1993. For many years until his retirement in 1989, he was employed with Giruzzi Plumbing Co. He was a lifelong parishioner of St. Peter’s Church, N. Utica, a member of American Legion Post #229, the Eagles Club and Plumbers Union #112. Throughout his life Jim was always involved with sports and learned to golf after his retirement. He was very proud of the fact that he got a hole in one at age 88. Jim is survived by three children, Lynda Schrader and husband, Carl, of Marcy, Cynthia Symonds and husband, Clifford, of New Hartford and James D. Gaffney Jr. and Liz Thomas, of Utica; five grandchildren, James D. Gaffney III and wife, Lindsay, of Mexico, NY, Nina Cosamano and husband, Anthony, of Marcy, Philip Casamento and wife, Jessica, of Barneveld, Karl Schrader, of Utica and Jennifer Schrader, of Marcy; a sister, Betty Jane Murtaugh, of Holland Patent; two sisters-in-law, Patricia Gaffney, of North Utica and Charlene Gaffney, of Texas, six great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and cousins. James was predeceased by his beloved daughter, Susan Casamento in 2015 and grandson, Enzo Casamento in 2017. He was also predeased by two brothers, John (Jack) Gaffney and William Gaffney, a sister, Peggy Orban and a daughter-in-law, Linda Gaffney. Mr. Gaffney’s funeral will be held on Tuesday, February 5, 2019 at 10:30 at St. Peter’s Church, N. Utica. Burial will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Whitesboro. Calling hours are Monday from 4 – 7 at the Heintz Funeral Home, 408 Herkimer Rd, N. Utica. Please omit flowers. Those so wishing may make donations to Hospice and Palliative Care in Jims’ memory. The family would like to thank Hospice staff Crystal, Stephanie, Beth, Irene and Ann, also would like to thank Dr. Brehaut, with special thanks to his staff, Sharon and Danielle. A very special thank you to family members, grandchildren, Karl and Jennifer Schrader, son-in-law, Clifford Symonds and Liz Thomas. Without your help, Jim would not have been able to stay in his house for his final days.