Gerald L. Rafferty, of Haverhill, passed away in his home on
Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2009, surrounded by his loving family, after
complications related to Multiple Sclerosis.
"Jerry," 77, was born in Bay City, Mich. He was a graduate of Michigan
State University. After graduation he served in the U.S. Army for two
years in Fort Knox, Kent.
After his proud military service, he met his wife Ruthann (Weigle) and
together they had eight children.
He built a long and successful career in high tech sales, which took the
family to Wisconsin, Missouri, Pennsylvania before settling down the last
three decades in Andover and later Haverhill.
Jerry loved all sports and coached most of his children. He was also an
avid golfer with a single-digit handicap and was a regular at Hickory Hill
Golf Club in Methuen.
He was a former member of the Knights of Columbus and Rotary Club during
his working years.
He is a long-time member of St. Michael's Parish in North Andover.
Jerry was an avid reader of history, particularly the World War II era.
He is survived by his loving wife, Ruthann (Weigle) Rafferty and their
children, Mary (Bill) Burt, of North Andover, John (Robin) Rafferty, of
Andover, Thomas (Cheryl) Rafferty, of Montclair, N.J., Joseph (Karen)
Rafferty, of Aldie, Va., Martha (Rafferty) Cadigan, of Andover, James
(Patricia) Rafferty, of Methuen, and Emily (Mark) Webster, of North
Andover. His eldest daughter Kathleen Rafferty Caswell preceded him in
death. He is also survived by his 13 grandchildren, Michael Caswell,
Jordan Rafferty, Brandon Rafferty, Maxwell Burt, Andrew Cadigan, Coleman
Rafferty, Matthew Rafferty, Ryan Cadigan, Carly Rafferty, Julia Webster,
Kyle Webster, Benjamin Rafferty and Logan Rafferty. He is also survived by
his brother, James (Ellie) Rafferty, of Morristown, N.J. He was preceded
in death by his parents James and Marie Rafferty, and sister Maureen
(Chet) Lesinski.
Jerry will always be remembered by family, friends and co-workers for his
compassion, honor and integrity as well as his abiding faith in Christ and
his devotion to the Roman Catholic Church.
One of his favorite quotes came from Pope John Paul II during a visit with
President Bill Clinton in Denver, Colo. on Aug. 12, 1993:
"America, you are beautiful, and blessed in so many ways, but your best
beauty | your richest blessing | is found in the human person. The
ultimate test of your greatness is the way you treat every human being,
but especially the weakest and defenseless ones."
A funeral Mass was celebrated in Saint Michael's Church
in North Andover Saturday, January 24, 2009, at 10 a.m. Calling hours were held in the Burke-Magliozzi
Funeral Home, 390 North Main St., Andover Friday, January 23, 2009, from 4 to 8 p.m. Burial was in St. Augustine Cemetery, Andover. Donations in Jerry Rafferty's name may
be made to Merrimack Valley Hospice, 360 Merrimack St., Lawrence, MA
01843. You can call 800-933-5593 or visit their website
www.merrimackvalleyhospice.org.