CAPE MAY — Former Mayor William G. “Jerry” Gaffney died Dec. 28, according to a Cape May City release.
It noted Gaffney’s life was “marked by service to country and community.”
Following his military service, he was a borough commissioner in Medford Lakes for eight years. He was a member of Cape May City Council for 16 years and served as mayor for four years under the previous Mayor-Council form of government.
He was honored by the city at its November town hall meeting for his service.
During his time as mayor, Gaffney spearheaded efforts to “bring the city into the Joint Insurance Fund (JIF), and then he served for 10 years as a JIF board member.
“He was also instrumental in the city’s decisions to employ a paid fire chief and a city administrator,” the release stated.
Mayor Clarence F. Lear III noted that the city had mourned the loss of Gaffney’s wife, Maryann, last year. “They were tireless community stewards whose guidance in any local endeavor always made it better,” Lear stated.
In his final public appearance before the council, Gaffney presented the final report and recommendations for the architect selected to design the proposed public safety building.
