Gerard (Jerry) Yager Claffey, 83, passed away peacefully on Feb 3rd, 2025. He was a loving husband of Hien Pham, loving brother of John Claffey, Carol Claffey, Dennis Claffey, loving father of Diem Phan, Tung Luu, Tinn Pinthong, Nhi Pham, and Ky Phan.

Born in Grand Rapids, Michigan in a large and lovely family of 8 siblings, Jerry joined the United States Army and was promoted to Command Sergeant Major. He later retired from the Army and went on to become a teacher in Detroit Public School where he met, taught, and helped many students.

His mission in life is to help others. People who met him always remember his amazing ability to connect with them, his positive energy, his treating others with love and care, and his friendly and beautiful smile.

He was dearly loved and will be deeply missed by family members and friends.