Life Celebration Planned For Levittown Businessman, Longtime Resident

Obituary submitted by the family of Jerry Gafgen

Gerald (“Jerry”) Joseph Gafgen of Hemet, California passed away on Wednesday April 12, 2017 at the age of 79.

Born in Trenton, NJ he lived most of his life in Levittown, PA before moving to Arizona in 2007, a place he truly loved and enjoyed during his retirement. One of his favorite places travelled to was Holland.

Jerry was the beloved father of Scott Gafgen (Jackie), Pam Herb, Judy Upchurch (Gary Brinkoetter), Laura Brantner (John), Christy Thompson (Joe), and Rhonda Surgeon (Paul). He will be sadly missed by his brother Jim Gafgen (Doris) and his sisters Dorothy Baugh (Don) and Ruth Margicin (John). Jerry had 15 grandchildren, several great grandchildren, three nephews and one niece. He will also be dearly missed by his close companion, Miss Kay.

Jerry was preceded in death by his loving father Harold Gafgen, mother Dorothy Maggio, and stepfather Frank Maggio.

Jerry worked as an apprentice at Airtex Products in Morrisville, PA where he learned upholstery, a craft that he would use throughout his life. He was also a top rated car salesman for Harbison Ford, Reedman Corporation and McCafferty Ford for 30 years.

Upon leaving car sales Jerry started his own business, Unique Fireplaces and Interiors. He was an avid cabinet maker and carpenter, and was a perfectionist in this craft. In his younger years he enjoyed motor cross and stock car racing, bowling, archery, football, track and quoits. He served in the Marine Corps Reserves and later became a Mason.

Jerry loved to tell stories of events (some mischievous) that happened in his youth, especially those involving his brother, Jim. Those stories drew a lot of laughter from family and friends who were fortunate enough to hear them.

Jerry loved animals of all kinds, especially his dogs Scarlet, Sedona and Bella.

A celebration of Jerry’s life will be held on Sunday, June 18 (Father’s Day) at 1:30 p.m. at the Capt. Moore Pavilion, 1635 River Road, Washington Crossing, PA.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to a local humane society or animal shelter in Jerry’s name.