Herbert C. Rafetto III

Herbert C. Rafetto III, 58, passed away suddenly on September 9, 2010. A 16-year resident of Palm Springs, he was known extensively throughout the community, and his passing was a shock to us all. Herb was born July 25, 1952 in Lowell, Mass., the son of Herbert C. Jr. and Jean E. Rafetto. A 1970 graduate of Kittanning Senior High School, he received his BS from the University of Denver in Hotel Restaurant Management in 1974. Herb then went on to a 25-year career for the Hyatt Hotel Organization, culminating in General Manager positions at both the Hyatt Hotel in Carmel, and our own Hyatt Hotel in downtown Palm Springs. During that time, Herb built relationships that have lasted through the years. He was President of the Palm Springs Tourism Board from 1992-1995 and a board member of the Chamber of Commerce (1992-1996). As a leader in the Hotel Industry he frequently spoke at City Council meetings representing the Palm Springs Hospitality Industry. Whether a room attendant, City Council Member, or a General Manager, it was easy to appreciate and remember Herb's easy manner and charm, and the warm attention he paid to the people in his life. After his career in Hotel Management, Herb applied his talents to Retail Management, leading two upscale clothing outlets to record sales; and then he focused on vacation sales, where he was awarded four top sales honors. Just a few years ago he was lucky enough to meet Susan, and for the last nine years she made him perhaps as happy as he had ever been. No one knows better than she the passion Herb always held for music. Although he had a wide range of taste, he was, in his heart, an avid Dead Head and had an encyclopedic knowledge of the Grateful Dead's music. Any visit to his home included personal sing-a-longs to their greatest hits. Finally, though, his dream was to perform; and he set out on that journey with a banjo, a good friend, Dan Regeimbal. His dream came true when they performed at a major hotel weeks before his death, and once again around a campfire with friends the night before he left us. For him, if he had to leave, the timing couldn't have been better, for those of us who knew and loved him, there could never be a good time for him to leave. He will be missed immensely. Knowing Herb, though, he is probably somewhere playing his banjo with Jerry Garcia, sipping on a single-malt, and laughing-it's certain that he is laughing. Herbert C. Rafetto III is survived by his wife, Susan; his daughter, Natalie, whom he loved dearly; his step-son, Brandon; his parents; his sisters, Sue Morgan, Marti Kubatko, and Judy Jack; numerous nieces and nephews; his friends too numerous to mention; and his dog, Jerry. A memorial gathering will be held in October with close friends where, according to his wishes, they can all tell funny stories about Herb. "Ramble on Herbie, settle down easy"