MICHAEL J. RAFFIA

Michael J. Raffia, a retired optician, passed away February 2, 2000 at the Hebrew Geriatric Nursing Home in New Rochelle, NY. He was born February 8, 1914 in New Rochelle to the late Antonio and Antonina (DeFrancesco) Raffia. He attended schools in New Rochelle and Brooklyn College where he obtained his optician's license. He worked for various optical companies and retired from County Optical in 1972. Mike was one of the founders of the United Optical Workers Union Local 408 and remained active in union affairs until his retirement. He married Santa Crocco in Our Lady of Victory Church in November 1939 and lived in Mount Vernon for 60 years. His wife died in 1984. He is survived by his son Michael and daughter-in-law, Ginger of Hartsdale and daughter, Nina Graff of Hawthorne. He was the beloved grandfather of Donna Wilson of Lititz, PA, Diane Cummins of Peekskill, Rita Benedict of Lakeworth, FL, and Jamie Graff of Hawthorne; as well as three great-grandchildren, Adam Wilson, Colin Cummins and Brittney Benedict. He is also survived by two sisters, Josephine Girardi and Frances DiFabbio, both of New Rochelle. His brother, Chester Raffia predeceased him. For many years he had been a member of the Holy Name Society of Our Lady of Victory Church and had supervised their CYO activities years ago. Before his illness he enjoyed playing golf, bowling, ballroom dancing and was active with the Mount Vernon Senior Citizens's Group Friends may visit Burr Davis Sharpe Funeral Home in Fleetwood on Friday from 2-4 and 7-9 pm. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, 10 am, at Our Lady of Victory Church. BURR DAVIS SHARPE FUNERAL HOME, INC 584 Gramatan Ave, Mt. Vernon (914)699-9700