Charles “Hank” Lafferty

Hank Lafferty spent a 39 year career inspiring kids at Father Judge and Holy Cross High Schools. As the disciplinarian his students may have gotten away with a little more than they should have, but Hank was more interested in propelling kids forward. People were his top priority and he remembered every graduate’s name, face, and graduation year from 1955 to 1994. He taught History and English but his best years were spent as the Holy Cross Athletic Director.

Hank was a graduate of Northeast Catholic High School and St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia. He took a few years off to save the free world during World War II as a member of the 283rd Field Artillery Battalion where he earned five campaign ribbons. Hank landed on Utah Beach, fought in the Battle of the Bulge and witnessed the horrors at Dachau.

He was the only child of Charles and Mary (Mackin) Lafferty. As a youth he particularly enjoyed baseball and basketball and was the quintessential Philadelphia sports fan. He was proud to have attended a Phillies game at The Baker Bowl, Connie Mack Stadium, Veterans Stadium and Citizens Bank Park. His natural charm and kindness earned him a vast network of social connections.

He met his beloved wife, the late Charlotte Montgomery, at a dance at Saint Boniface parish.  That dance led to a 59 year marriage blessed by 8 children (all convinced they were his favorite): David A. (Roxane), Paul V. (Kimberly), Matthew C.(Tenley), J. Robert (Kara), Anne M. Bowman (Thomas), Sheila Richmond (Reid), Christine M. McNulty (Robert), and Elizabeth J. Garner (Joseph); 16 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.

Come celebrate 92 great years Tuesday 6-8 p.m. and Wednesday 8:30-9:30 a.m. at Sweeney Funeral Home, Riverside.  Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, Moorestown.  Internment BGWCD Cemetery, Wrightstown. The family would like to give special thanks to Hank’s special angels, Norm and Norma Slominski, Mike and Meg Fynan and Don Dietz.  Donations in lieu of flowers to Samaritan Hospice, 5 Eves Drive, Suite 300, Marlton, NJ 08053, will be appreciated.