Anthony Gaffney

Anthony Gaffney affectionately known as Tony or Tony G was born on September 21, 1954 to the parents of Samuel McClinton and Mazilee Gaffney in Detroit, MI. During his youth, Tony enjoyed writing poetry. He accepted Christ at a young age. Showing his commitment to the work of the Lord, he served as an altar boy at Elevation Fellowship Temple of Light Inc. in Detroit, MI under the leadership of Reverend Harriett Scott and Brother Arnett Price Scott Jr.

Tony attended the Detroit Public Schools system and later earned his Graduate Equivalency Degree (GED). While working at the Palace restaurant, Tony realized he wanted to become a professional cook. He accomplished that dream, working at restaurants within and outside the city of Detroit, including being employed at TGI Fridays for more than 15 years. Tony loved learning and experiencing new things. He often shared with his children information he learned about Black history, American politics, and faith and religion among other topics that interested him. He earned his associate degree in Sociology from Wayne County Community College District, and he had plans to complete his studies toward a bachelor’s degree in Social Work.

Tony was a critical and analytical thinker. In particular, he used his lived experiences and academic knowledge to make sense of systemic oppression. Whenever Tony wasn’t sharing such information with his children, he was using this knowledge to empower the many people he met through Narcotics Anonymous (NA). Within the Detroit Central Area Service Committee of NA, Tony held the position of a policy officer. Tony loved mentoring and connecting with members of the “fellowship”. Some would say he was in his “element” when he shared his experiences, challenges, and triumphs during fellowship meetings. Tony G, as well as his friends and family, were proud of his sobriety of 27 years.

Tony loved music, spending time with his family and the fellowship, and cooking. Though he enjoyed all types of music, some of his favorite musicians were Frankie Beverly and Maze, Stevie Wonder, and Prince. Tony had three children, Timothy, Brandy, and Denise whom he loved dearly. He loved bragging about his family, especially his grandchildren, and he treasured every opportunity to visit them. Cooking was something he did effortlessly, relishing in cooking for others and himself.

Tony was proud of being a Detroit native. Taking advantage of its arts and culture industry, he often attended the festivals and jazz concerts as well as visited local museums. Tony also had a quiet humor, and his quick-witted tongue often got a laugh out of others even when he wasn’t trying to; an ability he acquired from his mother. Most of all, he will be remembered for his passion for helping people and how much fulfillment it gave him to see others succeed.

Anthony Gaffney departed this life on his 66th birthday, Monday, September 21, 2020, demonstrating perfect completion of his mission on earth. He was proceeded in death by his mother Mazilee Gaffney as well as brothers Terrance Gaffney and Pierce Bronson.

He leaves to cherish his memory: his son Timothy Gaffney (Monique), his daughters Dr. Tonisha “Brandy” Lane (William) and Denise Gaffney, his sisters Denise Johnson and Beverly Marshall (Robert), and grandchildren: Tionna, Tamia, Timothy Jr., Trinity, and Haley. A host of special nieces and nephews that he loved dearly and a host of relatives and loving friends