Max Lincoln Z Lafferty

Beloved son of Gail & Robert Lafferty, brother of Johanna Lafferty McAdams, her husband Daniel, and nieces Sylvie & Lily. Loving partner in life of Kelly Small.

Max was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and adopted at one day old. Bob, Gail & Johanna brought him home to Sea Cliff, where he grew up and lived most of his days.

Growing up in Sea Cliff, Max was always busy and ready for adventure. He worked at McCarthy’s deli, played roller hockey and baseball, and skateboarded with friends. He attended college in Burlington Vermont, where he snowboarded regularly. When he moved back to NY he drove the launch boat at Hempstead Harbor Yacht Club. Later on he found a career and a community at Sundown (Sno Haus) Ski Shop, where he worked for the past 4 years.

From the earliest age, Max had a light about him that drew people in and he made countless friends throughout his life. He was funny, adventurous, and kind. He loved deeply and was always eager to talk about his friends and family. He took great pride in the growth and successes of the people he cared about and was always eager to share stories of friends near and far. His connections with others brought him a lot of joy.

Max had a very special relationship with his dad, Bob. Some of his favorite stories were about the times they shared when he was a kid - crazy trips to Pennsylvania to buy fireworks and years playing hockey and baseball with his dad as the coach. When Bob passed away in 2024, Max was determined to honor Bob’s legacy through love and acts of service to his family. He was a steadfast brother, son, uncle, and partner.

He spent 11 happy years with his girlfriend Kelly. The two shared a deep bond, hardly leaving each others side.

He loved his nieces Sylvie and Lily dearly and bragged about them to anyone who would listen. He was a proud uncle who never wanted to miss a thing in their lives.

Max loved animals, especially dogs, and as a teenager he adopted a boxer, Maya, whom he spoiled with walks and love and brought to Vermont for college. When Johanna’s family moved to Sea Cliff in 2018 he loved hanging out with their dogs and would take them for walks or on adventures as often as he could.

Max was a true Sea Cliffer, appreciating the beauty of the village, his family and all the friends that made it a special place. Max loved life, and he will be dearly missed by all.

A memorial gathering will be held on Saturday February 28 from 3 to 5pm at St. Luke’s Parish Hall in Sea Cliff. Please enter on Glenlawn Ave. All are welcome.