Obituary of DAVID E. CHAFFIN

David E. Chaffin, 69, of West Orange and Pine Brook, NJ passed away peacefully on March 31st. Born in Bennington, Vermont to Zola Hurley Chaffin and Everett Charles Chaffin, David attended Bennington Catholic High School and later graduated from Seton Hall University and then Seton Hall Law School. He was admitted to the New Jersey Bar in 1972. He worked at DeGonge, Garrity and Fitzpatrick as a civil trial attorney and defense litigator for amusement parks such as Action Park, Vernon Valley Great Gorge and Big Vanilla. He also served as a consultant and trial attorney for the United States Gymnastics Federation and the firearms industry. In 1994 David suffered a massive stroke and was told that he would never walk or talk again. After extensive patient therapy and with great determination, David regained his speech and mobility and was able to not only walk but also drive short distances. David's experience as a stoke victim led him to become an active volunteer at the Kessler Institute. He also served as a patient advocate, speaking at various schools on stroke survival and patient care. David co-founded the New Jersey Stroke Activity Center, a non-profit organization which provides long term rehabilitation, education and support to stroke survivors and their families. David used his wit, enthusiasm and authentic experience to connect with his audience, providing hope and motivation to many stroke survivors and their families. David is survived by his daughters Heather Caitlin Chaffin and Farah Margaret Chaffin as well as his brother Donald and his nieces and nephews Amber, Alexandra, Asher and Austin Chaffin. His family would like to thank the people who cared for David in his later years, including his wonderful friends Warren Schultz and Joe Maccioli of Pine Brook, the staff at Morris View Nursing Home and Vitas Healthcare. Cremation will be held privately. Funeral services and Interment will take place at Park Lawn Cemetery in Bennington, Vermont at a date and time to be announced. For more information, please leave a comment below or contact David's daughter Farah at farah.chaffin@gmail.com.