Tributes

Thomas Francis Rafferty passed away peacefully and surrounded by family in his home in Conway, South Carolina, on Nov. 4, 2023. He was 80 years old. Born in Washington, D.C. in 1943, Tom's life often brought him back to the nation's capital. He graduated from Gonzaga College High School in 1961, and returned frequently for the annual Alumni Smoker. His school spirit also provided his family with decades of Father's Day gift inspiration for the man stubbornly difficult to buy for. Tom went on to graduate from the University of Maryland with a degree in Zoology. From there he joined the Army, where he was decorated with a National Defense Service Medal for expert marksmanship. Obtaining the designation of "expert" with a rifle during the height of the Vietnam War struck some in his family as short-sighted in 1969. But Tom always served to the best of his abilities, including his time as a volunteer firefighter. After the Army, Tom began his 35-year career as a manager at New York Life. He earned designations as a Chartered Life Underwriter and Registered Health Underwriter. And it was during his post at the company's branch in Youngstown, Ohio, where he met the love of his life, Joan. The couple married in 1984 and had their only child, Andrew. In 1994, Tom and his family moved to Western New York. It was there where the Raffertys made some of their best friends for life. Many came from Tom's involvement in the Knights of Columbus. He was a Past Grand Knight of Madonna Council #2535 in North Tonawanda, NY. And during those years he also acted as an unofficial ambassador for Niagara Falls, enticing friends and family to visit for the opportunity to see one of nature's great wonders. After retiring, Tom and his wife moved south to Conway, South Carolina. Even in retirement he continued to serve the Knights of Columbus, and the local Catholic Church, and his neighbors. No matter where life took Tom, people liked him. He was easy to be around. And people remembered his smile even after meeting him just once. He was slow to anger… except for that time he was mowing the lawn and ran over a large rock his son was using as second base for a backyard baseball game. But he got over it pretty quickly. Tom was a guy you wanted at your party. He never was the loudest in the room. And he wasn't going to start the limbo. But he was going to bring beer. And he would deliver a witty one-liner that would have the whole room rolling. Tom was predeceased by his brother, Will, and parents William Andrew Rafferty and Helen Morley Rafferty. He is survived by wife, Joan, son, Andrew, and sister Mary Ellen. A memorial Mass will be held at 9:00 AM Friday, November 10, 2023 at St. James Catholic Church with Father Oscar Borda officiating. Inurnment with Military Honors will follow at the church columbarium. The family will receive friends immediately following the service. Memorial donations can be made to the Beatitude House at 238 Tod Lane, Youngstown, OH 44504 Please sign the online guest book at www.goldfinchfuneralhome.com Goldfinch Funeral Home, Conway Chapel is assisting the family.

Tributes

Thomas F. Rafferty

March 11, 1943 - November 4, 2023