Joseph John Laffey, Jr.

Of Auburndale, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family, Monday, April 16, 2018 at the Chetwynde Nursing Home in West Newton. He was 82

Born in Rockport, raised in Waltham to the late Joseph J. Laffey, Sr. and Gertrude (Steade), he was a graduate of Waltham High School. Mr. Laffey moved to Auburndale with his family over 45 years ago.

Mr. Laffey started his professional career as a Truck Driver for the Teamsters Local 25. He quickly moved up as Union Steward and in 1976 became the Field Representative for the Teamsters Oil Division. During this time he also served as the commissioner of the Local 25 Softball League and ran his own team "Laffey's Oilers". Joe was appointed Trustee of the Teamsters Local 25 in 1978. He was the Teamsters Red Cross Blood Bank Chairman for 25 years. He became the Union Trustee for the Teamster Health Service Plan in 1985 and was the on the Board of Directors for the New England Teamsters Federal Credit Union. After much encouragement he ran and was elected as Business Agent. He earned a diploma from the Labor School of the University of Massachusetts in Boston. During his time with the Teamsters he represented companies in the Oil and Airline Divisions. He was very proud of his hard work to get jobs, benefits, healthcare, and wages for the men that he represented.

As a young man Joe enjoyed playing hockey with his friends, he was an avid golfer, and enjoyed traveling. He loved going to Las Vegas and visited Europe 12 times.

He is survived by his loving wife Veronica "Ronnie" M. (Stascavage) Laffey, his devoted children Maureen Bills and her husband Stephen of Victor, NY and Michael J. Laffey of Newton, his cherished grandchildren Katherine Domanti and her husband Christopher of Denver, CO, Jennifer Bills-Standard and her husband Jackson of Rochester, NY, and Joseph Bills and his fiance Michelle Eames, and his great-grandson Conor.

He was the brother of the late Lorraine Miller.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend funeral services from the Brasco & Sons Memorial, 773 Moody St., Waltham, Monday, April 23, 2018 at 9 a.m. with a Mass of Christian Burial in celebration of Joe's life at Saint Mary's Church, 145 School St., Waltham at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Waltham. Visiting hours will be held Sunday, April 22 from 2 - 6 p.m. Parking attendants will be on duty.

Expressions of sympathy may be made in Joseph's memory to the Chetwynde HealthCare, 1650 Washington St., West Newton, MA 02465.