Msgr. Thomas Gaffney

Ordained: 1950

Died: 2004

Assignment History:

1950-1953: St. Peter's (Rosendale, NY)
1950-1953: Our Lady Help of Christians (High Falls, NY)
1953-1955: St. Ann's (Bronx, NY)
1955-1974: Cardinal Hayes High School (Bronx, NY)
1973-1982: St. Joseph by the Sea High School (Staten Island, NY)
1977-1982: Mission of the Immaculate Virgin for the Protection of the Homeless and Destitute Children (Staten Island, NY)
1982-2004: St. Charles' Catholic Church (Staten Island, NY)

Summary of Sexual Abuse Allegations Against Father Thomas Gaffney:

In October 2003, Fr. Thomas Gaffney was accused of sexually abusing an altar boy for three years at St. Charles Catholic Church on Staten Island, New York starting when he was in 6th grade. The victim stated the assaults against him often took place where altar servers would vest for mass. After the survivor went public in January 2004, a second survivor came forward with similar allegations of child sexual abuse against Gaffney.

According to media reports, the second survivor alleged sexual abuse at St. Joseph by the Sea High School on Staten Island from 1980 to 1981. The victim was a 15-year-old student when the alleged abuse occurred. The lawsuit does not specify a gender. "Fr. Gaffney engaged in unpermitted sexual contact" with the victim, who "was raised in a devout Roman Catholic family," according to the lawsuit.

The first survivor filed a lawsuit seeking redress for his abuse, and Gaffney denied the sexual abuse and filed a defamation countersuit. He remained in ministry. Criminal charges were not filed because the statute of limitations had expired. Gaffney was included in a list released by the Archdiocese of New York naming about 120 members of the clergy who were either credibly abused of sex abuse against minors or whose cases were deemed eligible for settlements.

Gaffney died on March 27, 2004, in the throes of his legal battles.

Horowitz Law is a law firm representing victims and survivors of sexual abuse by Catholic priests and other clergy in the Archdiocese of New York. If you need a lawyer because you were sexually abused by a priest or other Catholic clergy in New York State, contact our office today. Although many years have passed, those abused by Catholic clergy in the Archdiocese of New York now have legal options, but filing deadlines will apply so do not delay in reaching out to us. Our lawyers have decades of experience representing survivors of clergy sexual abuse in New York and nationwide. We can help.

Msgr. Thomas Gaffney – Archdiocese of New York