Obituary of Duke Gaffney

Duke Gaffney 1938 - 2020 1955 - 1959 US Marine Corp 1960 - 1963 US Army 1980 - 1984 US Air Force Duke was born Patrick Duke Gaffney - Hated the name Patrick so he went by his middle name Duke. Duke was born in Florence, Arizona on November 30, 1938 to Scott and Bonnie Gaffney. Duke was the youngest, having two older sisters (Scottie and Gaye). Duke's dad was gone a lot working with the railroad and mom also worked. Duke started to get into trouble so one day he decided the join the Marines. He had to get permission paperwork signed by his parents due to the age factor. Duke joined the Marines at 17. Duke spent his Marine time in Okinawa. After leaving the Marines, he spent time being Duke then he decided to go back into the military, this time he joined the Army. While in the Army he met his first wife Carol, they had 3 children Rhonda, Duke and Matthew. The marriage ended because she did not want to be a military wife. Duke spent his Army time in Europe. After getting out of the Army, Duke did several jobs which in turn led him to Hughes Aircraft Spares Division in Fullerton, California. While working at Hughes, Duke met Paulette, his soon to be his “one and only”. After a short courtship (6 months), Duke and Paulette were married and spent 52 wonderful years as husband and wife. When the aircraft industry was going down hill Duke's position with Hughes Aircraft was eliminated. Duke did not waste any time going back to work, he wanted a construction job building houses. As time went on, Duke climbed the ladder to become a Manager at the companies he worked. He had a great work history; he was constantly having headhunter's calling. At one point Duke became known as the "Red Adair" of the construction field. Construction started to fall. In 1980, Duke joined the Air Force and was stationed out of McCellan Air Force Base, in Sacramento, California. Due to the base being a Sac Base, Duke never talked about his time in the Air Force. After Duke got out of the Air Force and went back into his field of construction which he remained until moving to Idaho. One day while shopping in Sears, a Marine Corps League member, and recruited Duke to join the Pappy Boyington Detachment. He joined and spent 10 years participating in all functions with the League. Duke became the recruiter and received awards for all of his efforts increasing membership. Then in 2014 Duke received the honor of being "Marine Of The Year" which he held near and dear to his heart. Duke loved the League. You would see him laughing, telling jokes/stories, Duke loved life and sports. In January 2012 Duke was diagnosed with Alzheimers, then everything changed. Duke had a hard battle but the battle ended on Saturday September 5, 2020. A memorial service is planned for a later date. To All My Brothers and Sisters Sempre Fi