RICHARD M. GAFF

Richard Maclin Gaff of Ft. Myers passed away peacefully on Sunday May 1, 2005 at Hope Hospice House in South Ft. Myers. Mr. Gaff was born Oct. 16, 1922 in South Bend, IN the only son of Bessie Merrill and Harry W. Gaff. He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister; Betty Rodgers and his wife of 57 years, Bessie Phelps Gaff.

Mr. Gaff is survived by his daughter; Susan Gaff Garrison and son-in-law James (Jim) Garrison, Jr. and two grandsons; Adam L. Garrison and Brian M. Garrison all of Ft. Myers. In addition, Mr. Gaff is survived by several nieces and nephews two sisters-in-law, Mrs. Linda Mangans and Mrs. Garnet Christman, and one brother-in-law, James (Jim) Christman. He leaves two special long time friends, Walter Tilton and John Hageman both of N. Ft. Myers.

Mr. Gaff graduated from Central High School in South Bend, IN. He was drafted into the U.S. Army during WWII serving as an MP at the American Embassies in London, England and Paris, France. He was also stationed in the Philippine Islands and participated in the Battle of the Bulge in Belgium. Following the war, he moved to Florida with his wife and daughter in 1949 where he worked as a skilled carpenter, insurance salesman and finally for the U.S. Postal Service. He retired from the post office after 30 years of service as a letter carrier. Mr. Gaff was most recently a resident of the Calusa Harbour Senior Living Community in Ft. Myers.

Memorial service will be celebrated Wednesday, May 4, 2005 at 4:00 PM at the Harvey-Engelhardt-Metz Funeral Home, 1600 Colonial Blvd. Family will receive friends one hour prior to service time at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to any area Hope Hospice in his name.

Published by The News-Press on May 3, 2005.

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