Thomas E. Gaffigan, 82

Thomas E. Gaffigan, 82, of Mills River, passed away Tuesday, June 30, 2015 at the Elizabeth House.
He was a native of Detroit, MI and a resident of Henderson County for 53 years. Thomas was a son of the late Walter and Helen Gaffigan and was preceded in death by two brothers, John and Robert Gaffigan, and two sisters, Helen White and Dolores Karnes.
A graduate of Asheville-Biltmore College (now UNC-Asheville) and Western Carolina University, Thomas taught math for 3 years at Hendersonville High School. He then moved to be a math teacher at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Institute, staying for 32 years and leaving as and served as the Dean of the Arts and Sciences Department of Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College.

A US Air Force veteran, Thomas served during the Korean Conflict. He was a member of Grace Community Church.
Thomas is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Bobbie Welch Gaffigan of Mills River; sons, Michael Gaffigan and wife, Cooley, of Carrboro; and Charles Gaffigan and wife, Wendy, of Marion; four grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 1:30 pm Sunday, July 5, 2015 at Grace Community Church. Pastor David Desforge will officiate. The family will receive friends following the service at the church. Burial was completed prior to the service.
Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Four Seasons Compassion for Life, 571 S. Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731.
Please visit www.forestlawnhendersonville.com for online condolences.
Forest Lawn Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.