Dale Gaffney , August 19, 1948 — January 18, 2019

Dale Gaffney, 70, of Williamsport, passed away, Sat. , Jan. 18, 2019 at UPMC Susquehanna.

Born in Williamsport on Aug. 19, 1948, Dale was the son of Joseph F. and Ella Mae (Ranck) Gaffney. Dale was a graduate from the Williamsport High School.

He joined the US Army in September of 1967 and served as a crew chief in Viet Nam. Later Dale served in the PA National Guard and the Civil Air Patrol. In his nearly 50 years of service with the Civil Air Patrol, Dale achieved the rank of Lieutenant, and while he held many different positions with the local unit, in the 1990’s was the Williamsport Commander.

While serving in the National Guard in 1977 Dale had gotten seriously injured in a skydiving accident and spent six months in the VA hospital recuperating. Dale was guest of honor at a National Guard Air show but due to the seriousness of his injuries and being confined to a stretcher he had to be transported along with his personal physician to the show by the ANG 111th Tactical Air Support Group. There was a specially built reviewing stand for him to watch the air show by the Army’s Golden Knight Parachute Team, meet fellow members of his unit and receive his awards for his outstanding service.

In his personal time, he enjoyed reading, helping others and he was an avid photographer, and parachuting enthusiast. Dale is survived by a sister, Lanea P. Ruffaner (Robert) of Winfield, two nieces, Lanette (Ruffaner) Micheletti, of Schnecksville, LeAnn (Ruffaner) Baker, of Hagerstown, MD, also one nephew R. Todd Ruffaner of Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother Wayne Gaffney.

A Tribute of Life Memorial Service will be held, Sat. Jan. 26, 2019 at Trinity Episcopal Church, 844 West Fourth Street, Williamsport at 2 pm.

There will be a visitation at the church for one hour before the service from 1 to 2 pm. Reverend Kenneth Wagner-Pizza will be officiating. Flowers to be provided by Dale’s family, those inclined to do so are encouraged to make donations in Dale’s memory to the Trinity Episcopal Church 844 West 4th Street Williamsport, PA 17701.

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