James Lafferty

Longtime Oakwood resident James P. Lafferty, 88, a retired court clerk who was role model and steadfast family man, died Thursday at home.

Born and reared in Brooklyn, he graduated from Brooklyn Technical High School in his native borough.

Mr. Lafferty was a clerk at Brooklyn Supreme Court for more than 30 years, until retiring in 1988.

He was a member of the Heart to Heart Society.

A dedicated husband and father, he enjoyed spending time with his wife. He also loved babysitting his grandchildren, sharing his chocolate with them and attending their sporting events. In addition, he enjoyed painting, watching old western movies, dancing and was an avid basketball fan.

Described as honest and caring, he will be remembered for his strength and devotion to his family, and will be deeply missed, family said.

He served in the U.S. Navy.

He was a parishioner of St. Patrick's R.C. Church, Richmond.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Catherine; his sons, James, Joseph, Paul and William; his daughter, Lenore Vega; his sister, Eleanor Coffey and 12 grandchildren.

The funeral will be Tuesday from the Bedell-Pizzo Funeral Home, Tottenville, with a Mass at 10 a.m. in St. Patrick's Church. Burial will follow in Resurrection Cemetery, Pleasant Plains.

Services: 10:00 A.M. Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday January 19, 2016,St.Partick'S R.C.Church. Internment Resurrection Cemetery

Visitation: Bedell-Pizzo Funeral Home Monday January 18,2016 from 2-4 & 7-9 PM

Cemetery: Resurrection Cemetery (Staten Island)

Location: Bedell-Pizzo Funeral Home

Church: St. Patrick's RC Church