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Brandon Funeral Home - Fitchburg

305 Wanoosnoc Rd.

Fitchburg, Massachusetts

Michael Rafferty Obituary

Michael P. "Mick" Rafferty, 51, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 6, 2008, at home, after a year and a half battle with cancer.

He was born in Worcester, the son of Arthur and Eileen (Flynn) Rafferty and made his home in Westminster.

Mick was employed the last 26 years as a Corrections Officer at the North Central Correctional Institute in Gardner where he thoroughly enjoyed his role as a Sector Union Steward. He was a member of the Boston Labor Guild and a passionate advocate for his fellow officers and their workplace conditions.

Mick enjoyed fishing, hunting, boating, orienteering and listening to his traditional Irish music. His fondest memories and favorite vacations were time spent with his wife and children either at the rustic family "Camp Kellzraff" in the woods of Maine or fishing and boating the waters of Cape Cod. His times spent at camp with his in-laws and friends, fishing, hunting, four-wheeling and sledding were precious to him. Mick was a proud father of his three children and excited and thrilled with choices they have made and educational and life goals they have set for themselves. Mick immensely enjoyed watching his daughter learn to Irish step-dance and his sons play hockey and baseball. Mick will be sorely missed by his inseperable companion and personal therapist, his blocky Yellow Labrador Retriever.

Mick leaves his wife of 23 years, Joan (Kelly) Rafferty; his daughter, Caitlin Kelly Rafferty; his two sons, Padraic Kelly Rafferty and Liam Kelly Rafferty; his father, Arthur Rafferty; three sisters, Caron Robertson, Christine Anderson, and Colleen Stowell; a brother, Stephen Rafferty and several nieces and nephews. His mother, Eileen, passed in 1999.

Mick also leaves and enjoyed great relationships with his father-in-law, Jack Kelly; his mother-in-law, Elaine Kelly; his sister-in-law, Rose Kelly Pond and his two brothers-in-law, Timothy Kelly and Patrick Kelly.

The funeral will be held Tuesday, June 10, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. in St. Edward the Confessor Church, 10 Church St. Calling hours are Monday from 5-8 p.m. Burial is private. Brandon Funeral Home, 305 Wanoosnoc Rd., Fitchburg is directing arrangements.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Worcester Telegram & Gazette on Jun. 8, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Rafferty

Not sure what to say?





Connie DelRio

June 13, 2008

Colleen and family,
So sorry to hear about the loss of your brother. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Lori (Jerominek) Poirier

June 13, 2008

Joan,

I am so sorry to hear of your loss - my thoughts and prayers are with you, your children and your family during this time.

PAUL AND AILEEN BONCZYK

June 11, 2008

STEVE,
WE ARE VERY SORRY TO HEAR OF
LOSS OF YOUR BROTHER MIKE,WE
DID NOT EVEN KNOW ABOUT IT.I
WORK AT ST VINCENTS HOSP WITH
JEAN TOMASETTA,AND SHE TOLD ME.

Debbie & Bill Falconer

June 11, 2008

Dear Joan and family, We were saddened to hear of your tremendous loss---Please know we are thinking of you all. May you find the comfort of family and friends at this difficult time.

Robin Weber

June 11, 2008

Joan, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family.

Stacey Rigopoulos

June 10, 2008

Joan and family,
I'm so sorry to hear of Mick's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time.

The Kelley Family Debbie, Kevin, Bryan & Matthew

June 10, 2008

Joan and Family, May God bless and keep you close during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. May your memories of happier days help you through these difficult time.

Take care and God Bless You All.

Colleen Cole

June 9, 2008

Caitlin and family- Madison just told us today. We are so very sorry for your loss and will keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Colleen, Craig, Madison, Mackenzie and Macy

Gina Paquette

June 9, 2008

Rafferty Family~ I am sorry for your loss and I hope all is well in your family.

Garry & Pam Carter & family

June 9, 2008

Dear Joan & family
So sorry to hear of Mick's passing.
Know that you all are in our thoughts & prayers.

Alan Rochette

June 9, 2008

As a fellow officer from N.C.C.I in Gardner, Mike was a very likable and helpful person. Not just a Sergeant nor a Union Steward, but a true friend. Always a smile and good natured, poised with optimism and a wonderful attitude. He will be missed for sure, as Mike is one of a kind for sure.
My condolences to his wonderful family. You were his ultimate strength in all that mattered, and gave him such spark. He chatted frequently of pride in his family, of watching the young grow and times spent together. Mike was humble as in being the average "Joe", no better than anyone... Yet for many of us, he was just a very unique individual.

My prayers and thoughts for Mike, and for you, such a wonderful family.

Mary Lloyd (Dix)

June 9, 2008

To the Kelly family - I'm so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad and difficult time. Keep the memories close to your heart. Love and Light.

Patty, Jeffrey, Christopher,Jennifer Perkins

June 9, 2008

Joanie & Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time.

Melanie King (Dix)

June 8, 2008

To Joanie and family--my most heartfelt thoughts are with you at this time. I'm so sorry for your loss. Mickey will be greatly missed!

MIKE MARTIN

June 8, 2008

TO THE FAMILY:
MR. STEVE RAFFERTY:

MIKE WAS A GREAT PERSON AND A VERY DEVOTED FAMILY-MAN. MIKE WAS COMMITTED TO HIS WORK IN THE FIELD OF CORRECTIONS AND GAVE 100% TO HIS DEDICATION TO THE UNION (MCOFU) AND THE MEMBERSHIP. MAY THE LORD BE WITH YOU IN THIS SAD TIME.

Richard ONeil

June 8, 2008

Steve,
So sorry to hear about your brother, please give my regrads to your family. I'am sure he will be dearly missed. My prayers and thoughts are with you.

Amblo Family

June 7, 2008

Joan and family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time.

Showing 1 - 17 of 17 results

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Memorial Events
for Michael Rafferty

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Brandon Funeral Home - Fitchburg

305 Wanoosnoc Rd., Fitchburg, MA 01420

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