Larry Claffey Memorial Service

Obituary
Lawrence “Larry” J. Claffey of Lake Lure, NC passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 16, 2023, in Asheville, NC with his Wife, Gloria by his side.

Larry was born in New York City on February 5, 1949. He spent much of his time during his early years playing in his beloved Central Park. The family eventually moved to Dumont, NJ where he attended High School. If you knew Larry you also knew his passion for baseball, especially the revered New York Yankees. His favorite number was 7 from his favorite player, Mickey Mantle. Each home Larry lived in always included a room filled with an abundance of Yankees memorabilia.

He grew up in a large, loving Irish family surrounded by five sisters and brother. Larry was an extremely kind and gentle man. He loved and adored his family and friends. If you were lucky enough to be his friend, you had a loyal friend for life. You could always count on him to lend a helping hand whenever anyone needed.

In his professional life, Larry was the Global IT Director for Office Depot, where he worked from 1992 to 2010. The position required international travel and provided him the opportunity to travel abroad and experience the world.

After Larry and Gloria married in October 1983, they spent their honeymoon in beautiful Lake Lure, NC. Upon retiring they moved from Charlotte, NC, where they spent 15 years, to the Rumbling Bald community on Lake Lure. This was always considered their “happy place” and held a very special place in their hearts.

Larry is survived by his Wife, Gloria of 39 wonderful years; Son, Jason of Boca Raton, FL; Stepchildren, Jennifer (Tara) and John of Concord, NC; Son-in-law, Michael of Boca Raton, FL; Brother, Jim Claffey (Nicky) of River Edge, NJ; Sisters, Lillian and Jackie both of River Edge, NJ; Sister, Edie of West Palm Beach, FL; Mother-In-Law, Connie of Pembroke Pines, FL; many Nieces and Nephews; along with his 5 Grandchildren; Madison, Zander, Riley, Luke and Lila, who loved and adored their “PopPop.” He was predeceased by his Parents, John and Edith Claffey; his daughter, Coleen Spinka; his sisters, Barbara Perlongo and Carol Romaine.

Services will be held on Saturday, March 18, 2023 at 1:00pm, at Fairfield Mountains Chapel 1384 Buffalo Creek Rd., Lake Lure. Immediately following, the Family will receive guests at a reception in the Chapel’s Fellowship Hall.

In Lieu of flowers, family requests donations be made to the American Cancer Society

Online condolences can be shared at www.ashevillemortuaryservices.com