John Nicholas Gaffke Jr.

John Nicholas Gaffke Jr., 79, of Nashua, passed away early Sunday morning, Aug. 28, 2022, after a brief period of declining health.

Born in Salem, Oregon, on March 29, 1943, he was a son of the late John N. and Margaret Gaffke. John grew up in Mount Angel, Oregon, and was a graduate of Mount Angel High School, class of 1961. He furthered his education at the University of Oregon, graduating with a master’s degree in chemistry. During his college years, John played on the Oregon Ducks football team.

An engineer and chemist, John worked for Bumble Bee Foods for many years.

A resident of Nashua since 1985, he previously made his home in Portland and Astoria, Oregon, and San Diego, California.

John was a devout Catholic and was a communicant of Immaculate Conception Church in Nashua and a former communicant of Mount Angel Monastery in Oregon. He was an active member of the Nashua Senior Activity Center and enjoyed line dancing.

Members of his family include two sons, Brett Gaffke and his wife, Laura (Voveris), of Groton, Connecticut, and John Gaffke of Dallas, Texas; a granddaughter, Ariela Gaffke of Dallas; a brother, Henry Gaffke and his wife, Kim, of Salem, Oregon; a sister, Patricia LaChapelle (widow of Dennis LaChapelle) of Salem, Oregon; his former wife, Winnifred O’Brien of Groton, Connecticut; also several nieces and nephews.

There are no calling hours, and interment will be private. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.farwellfuneralservice.com. Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE, 18 Lock St., Nashua.