Official Obituary for Henry Gaffney

I’m very sad to hear of Henry’s passing. We worked together at the Guitar Studies Center at the New School for 10 years. He always put a smile on my face. Though we didn’t know each other well, there were a few things which came through very clearly in our conversations around the copy machine – his love for his family, his vast knowledge about songwriting and his killer sense of humor. May you be happy. May you be peaceful, Henry.

I took several courses from Henry. My senior year he served as my songwriting advisor. But what had the greatest impact for me was his support just weeks before I graduated. I had no idea how I would make money while pursuing music and I freaked out. I remember sitting in the office Henry and Jon Aldrich shared while they proceeded to tell me I was an idiot to worry, I was talented, and that I was smart enough to figure it out.

Then Henry told me a story about his own experience trying to make a living while he was making his life. He took a job at a high end Italian men’s clothier in New York City. A friend ran the shop and offered him a sales position, but shortly thereafter Henry was pulled from the sales floor because he actually told customers his opinion, honestly. Convinced he couldn’t sell, his friend placed Henry behind the counter where he managed the schedule, handled transactions, and spent a good amount of his time penning lyrics in a pocket notebook.

One day John Lennon came in and tried on a suit. The salesman helping him had ducked into the back to speak to the tailor so John came out and asked Henry, “How do I look?” Henry looked John up and down and said, “I think you look like shit.” Just then Henry’s friend, the owner, comes tearing out of the back screaming. John Lennon smiled, looked at Henry and said, “I like you.” From that point John only bought suits from Henry. He would call occasionally and ask if Henry had anything for him, and Henry would give him an honest answer.

I found that to be true in my own time with Henry as well. When I turned out great work he would champion my effort and show me why it was good. And when I half-assed something Henry would look at me sternly and say, “Well you know that’s shit.” That’s what I always valued. I knew I could get an honest opinion. Henry would build you up or tear you down, but he never did so out of ego or his fear of my fragility. He did it because he genuinely cared about my growth and progress, just like he cared for all of his students. And it turns out he was right about me being smart enough to figure things out. For that I will always remember Henry with great respect and gratitude.

Thank you for caring Henry. Best wishes to your family and may you rest in peace.

It was with sadness that I learned of the death of Henry Gaffney. Our connection goes back to a neighborhood in Brooklyn and parochial school. I knew his entire family from their days on Butler Place.

Henry was a gentle spirit who never seemed to succumb to the violence and conflict of the time. He worked dilligently on his music and shared his art freely. I remember an afternoon I spent with Henry in his grandfather’s apartment. The old man had recently died and we were awe struck by the large canvasses left behind painted in the style the of Renaissance Masters.

As young adults our paths diverged. My sympathies to Lisa and the family.

I remember Henry way back in Brooklyn when we all hung out in Hermans (ice cream parlor) back the 60′s. He was tall, blonde, well liked by all and always had his guitar handy. Although many of us lost touch, I am sure lots of us followed his career. Henry was one of the nicest people in the neighborhood and I am sad to hear of his passing. My sympathies to his family and all who share in the loss of this genuine man who followed his passion for music his entire life.