WORCESTER- Raymond Samuel Rafferty 88, formerly of Worcester, died peacefully in Denver, Colorado on October 10th, 2011. His wife, Margaret M. (McAuliffe) Rafferty, died in 2004. Ray is survived by his son Michael P. Rafferty and his wife Carey Sharpe Rafferty; grandson Noah, granddaughter Chloe, grandson Asa; three sisters, Mary Attella of West Boylston, Sarah Ericolla of Worcester, Barbara Jacques and her husband Jack of Worcester; and a brother Richard Rafferty. He was predeceased by four brothers, Owen, Jimmy, Eddie, and Arthur Rafferty, and two sisters, Anna Sarasin and Rita Lavallee.
He was born in Worcester, the son of James M. and Annie (McKinney) Rafferty and attended St. John’s High School. Raymond was a World War II Army veteran who served his country with pride in the South Pacific. Raymond worked for the Worcester Public Schools as School Coordinator, and was an active member of Green Hill Golf Course and the Vernon Hill American Legion. Raymond moved to Colorado to be closer to his immediate family and grandchildren two years ago at age 86. "Poppa," as the grandkids called him, was blessed to hold his new third grandchild, Asa, the day after he was born. Raymond spent the most of his life in Worcester surrounded by brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews. His time in Colorado was spent with his grandchildren, enjoying the warm Colorado sun, and attending Colorado Rockies baseball games. He even got to see the Red Sox with his grandson Noah! He was a great man and will be greatly missed.
A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:00 A.M. Monday October 17th in Christ the King Church, 1052 Pleasant Street. There are no calling hours. Burial in St. John’s Cemetery will be private. O’CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue, is directing arrangements.