Jonathan Gaffin

Beloved husband, father, grandfather and teacher, Jonathan Gaffin’s love for life did not end with his death. Jonathan passed away on Saturday, March 23rd, 2024 a few weeks away from his 64th birthday, surrounded by his loved ones. 

Jonathan completed his bachelor’s degree at Trenton State, now The College of New Jersey. Jonathan found his calling in the classroom, teaching thousands of children over a 30+ year career in the Trenton Public Schools. His passion for science and outdoor education shaped lives and helped him inspire curiosity about the natural world. Jonathan shared his passion for nature through fossiling expeditions, sea camps and nature connection programs. Always up for an interesting conversation, his excitement for life was contagious. 

Jonathan was born in Philadelphia, PA in 1960 to Norman and Vida (Savage) Gaffin, who supported him unconditionally as they raised their family in Cinnaminson, NJ. They led by example and instilled in him and his younger sisters, Erica Maira (Sam) and JoAnn Winch (Greg), the family values that shaped them to be the incredible and loving people they are today. They were thrilled to welcome the love of his life, Carmina (Alvarez), to the family. Jonathan and Carmina could not have been a better example of the word “soulmates”. Together with their daughter Sofia Weigle, they resided in Lawrenceville, NJ. Emilia and Tegan, Jonathan’s granddaughters, were stars around which he orbited, along with Sofia and son-in-law Ralph Weigle. He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Teresa Pascal; and his two sisters-in-law, Claudia Alvarez and Paulina Alvarez-Hunter and husband Adam Hunter.  Jonathan was preceded in death by his father Norman Gaffin and his father-in-law, Jose Alvarez. Jonathan had a soft spot for his furry friends, treating each and every one like his four-legged furry children enjoying their howls and sloppy kisses. 

Jonathan will always be remembered for his generosity and enormous heart. We couldn’t have asked for a better son/brother/husband/parent/grandparent and will miss him every day. His memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved him. If anyone would like to make a donation in his honor, we know he would want EASEL Animal Rescue League in Ewing, NJ (https://www.easelnj.org/) because Jonathan believed that all animals should be honored with love and kindness. 

The viewings will be held on Wednesday, March 27th at Parkside Brenna-Cellini Funeral Home in Ewing, NJ from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM and again from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The service will be from 8:00 PM to 8:30 PM. There will be a memory board available if you would like to add any special memories for others to celebrate his life by. Please visit Jonathan’s tribute page at www.brennacellinifuneralhomes.com

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