Austin G. Raffa, 19, of Londonderry, NH lost his battle with addiction on Saturday, July 9, 2016 while staying at the Brady Sober Home in Weymouth, MA. He was born on July 12, 1996 in Malden, MA, a loving son of Karen (Griffin) Lafayette and the late John Raffa. Austin was a lifelong Londonderry resident and was educated in the Londonderry School system. He loved music, especially rap. He also loved animals. Austin had a good sense of humor and was always lending a hand to help others. He especially enjoyed the time spent with his nieces and nephews. His struggle with addiction led him to the Brady Sober Home where the last five weeks have been some of the best he has had. He will be remembered not for how he died but how he lived.
He is survived by his mother, Karen Lafayette and her husband Dale of Londonderry; two sisters, Katie Toto and husband Peter of Everett, MA and Jill Raffa of Derry; one brother, Joseph Raffa of Londonderry; six nieces and nephews, CeCe, Maria, Bella, Petie, Anthony and Christopher; his paternal grandfather, John Raffa of Gloucester, MA. He is also survived by several aunts, uncles, cousins and friends, including his aunt Susan Desmond and cousin Jelene Desmond who helped him immensely with his addiction. He was predeceased by his father John Raffa in 2015.
There are no calling hours. Following cremation, a Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Thursday, July 14th at 11:00am at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 26 Crystal Avenue, Derry. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Brady’s Place, 630 Main St., Weymouth, MA 02190. The Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium of Derry and Londonderry are assisting the family with arrangements.