John T. Claffey, age 85, formerly of Dexter, MI, passed away on June 9, 2025, at the Chelsea Retirement Community.
John was born on August 12, 1939, in Grand Rapids, MI, the son of Homer G. and Mary Eileen (Yager) Claffey. He served in the U.S. Army Reserves and National Guard. John built his career at Ford Motor Company, where he worked for many years as a Manager in the Transmission Lab. He loved cars, from old cars to hot rods.
He married his childhood friend, Nancy Lee (Mayrand), and together they built a life centered on faith and family. They raised three children: Michael, Thomas, and Susan.
John and Nancy shared a love for travel, entertaining friends, and golfing. John was an avid outdoorsman in his youth and enjoyed camping, hunting, and fishing. He was a longtime member of St. Joseph Catholic Parish in Dexter and a proud member of the Dexter Knights of Columbus.
Following his retirement, John and Nancy moved to Tucson, AZ where they enjoyed living on a golf course and the many friendships they made over the years. Nancy passed away in 2019.
John is survived by his children, Michael (Rhonda Lemasters) Claffey, Thomas Claffey, and Susan (Edward) Knight; four grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren; his siblings, Carol Claffey and Dennis (Ginny) Claffey; as well as many nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife, Nancy, he was preceded in death by five siblings, James, Gerald, Joseph, Kathleen, and Margaret.
Mass of Christian Burial will be prayed on Thursday, June 12, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Village Church, 3430 Dover Street, Dexter, with Fr. Brendan J. Walsh presiding. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church beginning at 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church in Dexter.
Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.
