Edward James Raftery

1920 - 2016

Edward J. "Raf" Raftery, 96, of West Hartford, beloved husband of the late Jane Cook Raftery, died Wednesday, March 16, 2016. He was born March 14, 1920 in Naugatuck CT, the only child of James Vincent and Catherine Gilbert Raftery. Raf and his wife of 64 years, lived in Collinsville, CT for 32 years prior to moving to West Hartford. He graduated from Bates College in 1941 followed by decorated service in the Army Air Force from 1942-1945. In 1949 he earned his J.D. at the University Of Connecticut School Of Law. Raf was a corporate lawyer for over thirty years at Aetna. While living in Collinsville, Raf held numerous elected and civic positions. His broad community engagement ranged from leader in the Democratic Party to appearances in various musicals for Canton Benefit Productions. Raf humbly and generously shepherded his children, large extended family as well as members of his community throughout his life. His ever present wit served him well with the challenges of raising a large family. He shared that he had never pictured himself having children - his wife wanted six - their compromise was - they had six children: Kate Cook Raftery, Anne Young Raftery, Jane- Cole Raftery and wife Marya Warshaw, Mary Gilbert Raftery, Stephen Murray Raftery and wife Teri Raftery and Helen Reid Raftery; his terrific grandchildren, Christopher, Chelsea, Elizabeth, Sarah, Eleanor, Malcolm, Jasmin, Jake and Katie and two no doubt gifted great grandchildren Alma and Beatrix. He also leaves dear nieces and nephew, Sharon Barnes, Deborah Farrell Giddings, James J. Farrell, Carroll Cole Gavaghan Ryan as well as great nieces and nephews Jordan, Loryn, Tom and Sean; he was predeceased by nieces Mary Duffy Gavaghan and Tricia Farrell. A "doer" rather than a talker that he described as his "low cosmic profile," Raf leaves a legacy of devotion to his family, humor, intelligence and integrity. He will be so very missed. Friends may call at the Vincent Funeral Home, 120 Albany Turnpike in Canton on Saturday April 16th from 2- 5 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in the memory of Edward J. Raftery to Bates College, 2 Andrews Rd. Lewiston, ME. 04240. Please visit Raf's "Book of Memories" at www.vincentfuneralhome.com for online condolences.