OUR STAFF
Our Staff
Our staff is comprised of dedicated and licensed professionals with the experience to answer all your questions regarding our services. Please feel free to contact any of our staff members at any time.
John F. "Jack" McGaffigan Jr.
Owner, Licensed Funeral Director & Embalmer
Jack is a graduate of Northeastern University and the New England Institute of Anatomy & Sanitary Science. Jack holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Development & Leisure Studies, and has been a Registered Embalmer & Licensed Funeral Director in Massachusetts since 1984.
A first generation funeral director, his career in funeral service began with his apprenticeship at Rockwell Funeral Service, formerly of Watertown. Shortly thereafter, Jack relocated to the South Shore, where he spent two years working for the Sullivan Funeral Homes of Rockland, Hanover, and Hanson.
Jack and his wife Patricia, later relocated to Groton, where they started their family. Jack is the proud father of Erin, Moira, and Michael.
For over 32 years, Jack faithfully served as a Funeral Director & Embalmer for Badger Funeral Homes of Littleton, Groton, and formerly of Ayer. During this time, he became ingrained in the local community and was blessed with many lasting friendships. Following his lifelong dream of owning a funeral home, he now practices funeral service independently here at McGaffigan Funeral Home, assuming ownership from his predecessor William Hamilton and the Hamilton Funeral Home, Pepperell, MA.
Over the span of his career, Jack has served hundreds of families throughout the Nashoba Valley Area. His approachable demeanor has allowed him to become a trusted resource and friend to many throughout the community. He has had a countless number of local involvements such as: Groton Electric Light Commissioner, Groton Minutemen, Groton Volunteer Fire Department, the former Groton Volunteer Police, Groton Lion's Club "Tail Twister", Knights of the Holy Sepulchre, Nashoba Valley Chamber of Commerce, and the former Nashoba Deaconess Hospital Group.
John F. "Jack" McGaffigan Jr.
Owner, Licensed Funeral Director & Embalmer
Jack is a graduate of Northeastern University and the New England Institute of Anatomy & Sanitary Science. Jack holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Development & Leisure Studies, and has been a Registered Embalmer & Licensed Funeral Director in Massachusetts since 1984.
A first generation funeral director, his career in funeral service began with his apprenticeship at Rockwell Funeral Service, formerly of Watertown. Shortly thereafter, Jack relocated to the South Shore, where he spent two years working for the Sullivan Funeral Homes of Rockland, Hanover, and Hanson.
Jack and his wife Patricia, later relocated to Groton, where they started their family. Jack is the proud father of Erin, Moira, and Michael.
For over 32 years, Jack faithfully served as a Funeral Director & Embalmer for Badger Funeral Homes of Littleton, Groton, and formerly of Ayer. During this time, he became ingrained in the local community and was blessed with many lasting friendships. Following his lifelong dream of owning a funeral home, he now practices funeral service independently here at McGaffigan Funeral Home, assuming ownership from his predecessor William Hamilton and the Hamilton Funeral Home, Pepperell, MA.
Over the span of his career, Jack has served hundreds of families throughout the Nashoba Valley Area. His approachable demeanor has allowed him to become a trusted resource and friend to many throughout the community. He has had a countless number of local involvements such as: Groton Electric Light Commissioner, Groton Minutemen, Groton Volunteer Fire Department, the former Groton Volunteer Police, Groton Lion's Club "Tail Twister", Knights of the Holy Sepulchre, Nashoba Valley Chamber of Commerce, and the former Nashoba Deaconess Hospital Group.
Michael D. McGaffigan
Licensed Funeral Director & Embalmer
Michael, a graduate of Groton Country Day School, Bishop Guertin High School, and Bryant University (B.S. Business Administration), grew up above a funeral home and was immersed in the funeral service profession at a young age. After a corporate internship, he chose a more meaningful path, joining the family business during his senior year of college.
In 2019, Michael graduated with honors from the Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service in Houston, TX, earning a degree in Funeral Service and Mortuary Science, and induction into the National Funeral Service Honor Society.
At the suggestion of his father, Michael had the opportunity to work with and gain experience with a number of family-owned funeral homes throughout the Greater Boston area, before rejoining the family business full-time.
Michael is an active member of the Massachusetts Funeral Directors Association, Pepperell Lions Club, Ancient Order of Hibernians, and alumni member of DKE International. He currently serves as Vice President of the Pepperell Business Association.
In 2024, he was chosen by the Massachusetts Funeral Directors Association to be a class member of the Northeast Funeral Service Partnership Leadership Program. His involvement led to serving on a task force that commissioned a continuing education program for the five-state Northeast Funeral Service Partnership.
In May 2025, he was selected as one of 17 funeral directors throughout the United States and Canada for the 2025 - 2026 National Funeral Directors Association’s Emerging Leaders Program. This year-long leadership development experience empowers participants to grow as visionary, values-driven leaders in their funeral homes, communities and the profession at large.
Michael is attuned to the changing needs and preferences of modern families, and believes deeply in the value and benefit of choosing a local, family-owned funeral home. As the second generation, he has made the commitment of providing professional, compassionate and trusted funeral services to Pepperell and surrounding communities.
Michael D. McGaffigan
Licensed Funeral Director & Embalmer
Michael, a graduate of Groton Country Day School, Bishop Guertin High School, and Bryant University (B.S. Business Administration), grew up above a funeral home and was immersed in the funeral service profession at a young age. After a corporate internship, he chose a more meaningful path, joining the family business during his senior year of college.
In 2019, Michael graduated with honors from the Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service in Houston, TX, earning a degree in Funeral Service and Mortuary Science, and induction into the National Funeral Service Honor Society.
At the suggestion of his father, Michael had the opportunity to work with and gain experience with a number of family-owned funeral homes throughout the Greater Boston area, before rejoining the family business full-time.
Michael is an active member of the Massachusetts Funeral Directors Association, Pepperell Lions Club, Ancient Order of Hibernians, and alumni member of DKE International. He currently serves as Vice President of the Pepperell Business Association.
In 2024, he was chosen by the Massachusetts Funeral Directors Association to be a class member of the Northeast Funeral Service Partnership Leadership Program. His involvement led to serving on a task force that commissioned a continuing education program for the five-state Northeast Funeral Service Partnership.
In May 2025, he was selected as one of 17 funeral directors throughout the United States and Canada for the 2025 - 2026 National Funeral Directors Association’s Emerging Leaders Program. This year-long leadership development experience empowers participants to grow as visionary, values-driven leaders in their funeral homes, communities and the profession at large.
Michael is attuned to the changing needs and preferences of modern families, and believes deeply in the value and benefit of choosing a local, family-owned funeral home. As the second generation, he has made the commitment of providing professional, compassionate and trusted funeral services to Pepperell and surrounding communities.
Erin C. McGaffigan
Licensed Funeral Assistant
Erin completed her funeral service apprenticeship following her graduation from Norwich University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She was a proud member of the Corps of Cadets and goalie for the Women's Lacrosse Team. She coached Women's Lacrosse at the college and club level, which gave her the opportunity to travel throughout the United States and Europe. She now works full-time as a Nurse at Beth-Israel Hospital, and as a registered funeral assistant, offers her assistance at the funeral home as her schedule allows.
Erin C. McGaffigan
Licensed Funeral Assistant
Erin completed her funeral service apprenticeship following her graduation from Norwich University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She was a proud member of the Corps of Cadets and goalie for the Women's Lacrosse Team. She coached Women's Lacrosse at the college and club level, which gave her the opportunity to travel throughout the United States and Europe. She now works full-time as a Nurse at Beth-Israel Hospital, and as a registered funeral assistant, offers her assistance at the funeral home as her schedule allows.
Charles A. "Cappy" Perry Jr.
Funeral Director Emeritus - August 21, 1944 - January 6, 2020
Cappy spent most of his youth in Wrentham, MA where he would go on to become a Police Officer in 1965. He graduated with Honors from the New England Institute of Anatomy, Boston, MA, in 1967. In October 1967, he entered on duty with the United States Army, serving a tour in Vietnam where he worked as a mortuary identification specialist. After returning from Vietnam, he continued his career as a Police Officer, earning a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Northeastern University in 1973 and a Master of Education in Criminal Justice and Human Services from Boston University in 1981. In 1984, he moved his family to Harvard, MA where he would become Chief of Police.
After retiring from law enforcement in 1992, he returned to his passion of helping others in their time of need by working full-time as a funeral director. He knew it was a tough time for the family, and he wanted to make it a little easier for them.
Sadly, Cappy passed away on January 6, 2020. He was a great funeral director, confidant, and friend. He touched many hearts and will be greatly missed.
"Carve your name on hearts, not tombstones. A legacy is etched into the minds of others and the stories they share about you." Quite the legacy, Cap!
Charles A. "Cappy" Perry Jr.
Funeral Director Emeritus - August 21, 1944 - January 6, 2020
Cappy spent most of his youth in Wrentham, MA where he would go on to become a Police Officer in 1965. He graduated with Honors from the New England Institute of Anatomy, Boston, MA, in 1967. In October 1967, he entered on duty with the United States Army, serving a tour in Vietnam where he worked as a mortuary identification specialist. After returning from Vietnam, he continued his career as a Police Officer, earning a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Northeastern University in 1973 and a Master of Education in Criminal Justice and Human Services from Boston University in 1981. In 1984, he moved his family to Harvard, MA where he would become Chief of Police.
After retiring from law enforcement in 1992, he returned to his passion of helping others in their time of need by working full-time as a funeral director. He knew it was a tough time for the family, and he wanted to make it a little easier for them.
Sadly, Cappy passed away on January 6, 2020. He was a great funeral director, confidant, and friend. He touched many hearts and will be greatly missed.
"Carve your name on hearts, not tombstones. A legacy is etched into the minds of others and the stories they share about you." Quite the legacy, Cap!
