John F. Claffey, Jr., 72, of Old Saybrook, formerly of West Hartford, beloved husband of Arcangela Zazzaro Claffey, died Sunday, June 19, 2016. Born in Hartford on January 23, 1944, he was the son of the late John F., Sr. and Norine (Coffey) Claffey. He attended local schools and graduated from Bulkeley High School and from the University of Hartford with a BS degree in Education and a Special Education degree. John was employed by United Bank (Bank of America) and had worked for 23 years for the State of Connecticut. He had taught in several West Hartford Schools, St. Timothy and Sedgwick Middle Schools and the Intensive Education Academy. Most recently, he was a substitute teacher at Old Saybrook High School. John was active in many civic organizations including, UNICO of Hartford Chapter, and was a past president, he served on the WPCA Commission of Old Saybrook, was a Board Member of Literacy Volunteers of Valley Shore and the Elks of Westbrook, where he volunteered at many blood drives. John was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Fr. Hussion Council 2968, and was presently serving as the Grand Knight. He was a Eucharistic Minister at St. John Parish of Old Saybrook. John served in the U.S. Army Reserves.

Besides his wife, he is survived by his three loving children, his treasures of life, Mary Ellen Claffey and Dean Carosella of West Hartford, Theresa Norine Claffey and her fiancé, Brian Avey of Newington, and Anthony Zazzaro Claffey of Newington; he was "Papa" to his two most cherished grandsons, Anderson Zazzaro Claffey and Keegan Andrew Claffey, and also leaves their mom, Kelly Claffey. John is survived by a brother, Thomas W. Claffey and his wife, Eileen of Newington; a special cousin, Lee Reiske, nephews, nieces, godchildren and cousins.

Remember John as a gentle man, with a smile, laughter and a song in his heart. Pass on a good deed in his memory. John was an organ donor to help someone have a better quality of life and in his thoughtfulness of others, gave the gift of sight to someone in need.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, June 24, 10:00 am at St. Patrick - St. Anthony Church, 285 Church St., Hartford. Everyone is requested to meet at the Church. Burial will be private. Calling hours are Thursday, June 23, from 4 to 7 pm at the Sheehan Hilborn Breen Funeral Home, 1084 New Britain Ave., West Hartford. Memorial donations may be made to Fidelco Seeing Eye Dogs, 103 Vision Way, Bloomfield, CT 06002. Online condolences may be made at www.SheehanHilbornBreen.com.