Mr. John C. Rafferty, age 82, died at home in Salem, NH, Sunday morning, May 3, 2009, after a lengthy illness. Born in Winchester, he was a former Woburn resident for many years. John was the beloved son of the late Mary (McElhinney) & John P. Rafferty.
John was raised in Woburn and graduated from Woburn High School. He retired from the United States Postal Service, in the early 1990's as a letter carrier. Previously he worked for Woburn Electrical Supply and Atlas Electric, both of Woburn. In retirement, John worked as a crossing guard for the city of Woburn. John was also a Navy veteran of World War 2. He loved to play Bingo and was a former member of the Towanda Club of Woburn. John also spent many winters in Arizona.
John was the beloved husband of the late wife Rita L. (Doucette). He is survived by his children, Rita McCall and her husband Robert of Billerica, Katherine Lyon and her husband Tim of Manchester, NH, John J. Rafferty and his wife Linda of Melrose & North Conway, NH, James Rafferty and his wife Colleen of Salem, NH, Arleen Gallagher and her husband John of Ft. Mohave, AZ, Joseph Rafferty and his wife Diana of Gorham, NH. He is also survived by 16 loving grandchildren and 19 loving great grandchildren. Brother of Richard Rafferty of Florida, Patricia Galante of Cape Cod, the late Mary Gibbons, Joseph and Michael Rafferty. He is further survived by many loving nieces and nephews.
Funeral from the McLaughlin-Dello Russo Funeral Home, 60 Pleasant St. WOBURN, Wednesday at 8 AM. Followed by a funeral mass celebrated in St. Mary Church, 155 Washington St., Winchester at 9 AM. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours Tuesday 5 thru 8. Services will conclude with burial at Wildwood Cemetery, Winchester.
It has been requested that in lieu of flowers memorial contributions be made in John’s name to St. Jude Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to Rosie's Place 889 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA 02118