Phyllis J. (Solar) Gaffney

   Phyllis J. Gaffney, 83, Watertown passed away at her home Saturday morning, April 13, 2024.

   She was born in Allentown, PA  August 15, 1940, daughter of Edward and Lola Alice (Holt) Solar. The family moved to Watertown and Phyllis graduated from Watertown High School. On June 24, 1966 she married David R. Gaffney in Clayton and the marriage was blessed on November 8, 1974 at Holy Family Church with Rev. Thomas P. Murphy presiding.

   She worked for NY Telephone, which became Verizon Communications, for 32 years as an operator, in repair and engineering, and retired as a maintenance line tester. She was a member of the Telephone Pioneers of America and American Legion Post 61 Ladies Auxiliary. Phyllis enjoyed bowling, crocheting, ceramics, and reading. She and David wintered in Hudson, FL and summered in Cape Vincent.

   Along with her husband, David, she is survived by her four sons, Brian D. and wife Teresa, Brownville, Shawn M. and wife Susan, Clinton, Timothy J., Baldwinsville, and Kevin S. and wife Amy, Delmar; four grandchildren, Corey, Samantha, Aiden, and Rylan; sister Lorel Holt, Watertown; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Along with her parents, she was predeceased by stepfather Reynolds Holt and brother Thomas Solar.

   The family would like to extend a special thanks to her caregivers: Donna, Nila, Melanie, Muriel, and Nancy.

   Calling hours will be held at Cummings Funeral Service, Inc., Watertown on Friday, April 19, from 5 - 7 PM. The funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday, April 20, at 10 AM at St. Patrick's Church followed by burial in Glenwood Cemetery. Online condolences to Phyllis's family may be posted at www.cummingsfuneral.com. Donations in her name may be made to Hospice of Jefferson County, 1398 Gotham St., Watertown, NY 13601 or St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Phyllis J. (Solar) Gaffney, please visit our floral store.