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MICHAEL RAFTERY Obituary

MICHAEL RAFTERY Michael Thomas Raftery passed away peacefully in his home August 7, 2019. Michael was born March 4, 1956 in Port Hueneme, CA and lived in various locations before settling with his family in Las Vegas in 1964. Michael was a faithful man with a kind and gentle soul. His love for his family, friends and anyone he interacted with was apparent and truly anchored his life. Michael's authenticity and easy-going nature emanated to all those around him. Michael always loved competing in all types of sports and forged many friendships both on and off Las Vegas courts and athletic fields. He graduated from Bishop Gorman High School in 1974, where he met the love of his life, Donna Khoury. After a short stint at the University of Nevada Reno, he began a fulfilling career in the gaming industry for approximately 32 years, where he worked as a Dice Dealer at Caesar's Palace, The Red Rock and The Wynn. He took a brief hiatus from gaming and completed his degree in Construction Management, then worked building custom homes with Raftery Homes and commercial buildings with Bentar Deveopment. His attention to detail in his jobs and in his personal life was unlike any other. Michael was a proud husband, father, and grandfather.He was preceded in death by his mother, Patricia Raftery; his brother, Billy Raftery; his sister, Maureen (Raftery) DiFederico; brother-in-law, Tom Helfrich; and his nephew, Kyle Anderson. He is survived by his loving wife of more than 40 years, Donna Raftery; his children, Michael Kory Raftery and his wife Lauren and Karli and her husband Kyle Daseler; Grandchildren, Mickey Raftery, Jackson Daseler, Reecie Raftery, Teddy Raftery, Carter Daseler, Jack Robinson Raftery, Grant Daseler, and Baker Raftery. Michael is also survived by numerous family members, including his father, Jack Raftery Sr., three brothers, Jack (Kay) Raftery, Jimmy (Linda) Raftery, Keenan Raftery and brother-in-law, Tio DiFederico; three sisters, Patricia (Raftery) Helfrich, Cathy (Raftery) McCullough (Kevin), and Mary (Raftery) Anderson; as well as his many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. There will be a gathering for family and friends at 5 p.m. with a Rosary Service to start at 6 p.m. Thu., Aug. 15, at Bishop Gorman High School Alumni Memorial Chapel, 5959 S. Hualapai Way. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Fri., Aug. 16, at St. Viator Catholic Church, 4246 South Eastern Ave., Las Vegas, NV, 89119. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Billy Raftery or Maureen DiFederico Memorial Scholarship Fund at Bishop Gorman High School.

Published by Las Vegas Review-Journal on Aug. 10, 2019.
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Memories and Condolences
for MICHAEL RAFTERY

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Being year older & a little bigger it was I who helped Mike develop his superb athletic skills, his strong competitive spirit and an intense desire to win. In spite of our constant competing, he was always smiling and always fun. Growing up Mike was not only a competitor, but my close and very good friend who shared a love of sports and many other experiences. Those were special times indeed. R.I.P. buddy. Condolences to the family on such a big loss.

Anon

Friend

August 23, 2022

I didn't know this man but he has the same name as my homie and was a gamer. Rest In Peace my fellow gamer bro <3

Anon Anonymous

February 6, 2020

To Donna, Cory, and Carly and their families: We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Mike. Our whole family is saddened as you and Mike were like second parents to the kids as they were growing up. I know we had lost touch but we are thinking of your family and sending our prayers. Our whole family was in Colorado at the time of his death but found out through a friend of his passing. We will always treasure the memories of our families growing up together on Tenaya Way. Love to you all - Nancy, Gary, Justin, & Jamie

September 8, 2019

If God is for us, who can be against us? Love you forever, Dad.

Kory Raftery

August 20, 2019

Dear Donna and the Raferty family,
I am so sorry for your loss. It is very difficult to say good bye to such a good and kind man. Donna, I am certain you brightened Michaels days. You were fortunate to have found each other and enjoyed your lives together.

My apologies for not being able to be at the mass today. Much love to you Donna.

Adrienne Wooten

August 16, 2019

To the Raftery family, God loves beautiful flowers also so be strong and God bless your family in this time of loss. mj

Michael Jones

August 15, 2019

To the Raftery family, God loves beautiful flowers also so be strong and God bless your family in this time of loss. mj

Michael Jones

August 15, 2019

To Donna & family, The Raferty Family..
I was so sad to hear of Mike's passing..I remember him from Gorman..He always said hi to me..a very nice guy..Donna I know he loved you & your family very much..my prayers are with you

Theresa Thornton

Friend

August 15, 2019

To the Raftery Family I send you my most heartfelt condolences and prayers. I had the joy and pleasure of working with Mike at Caesars Palace for approximately 19 years. Michael was excellent at everything he did. I had the pleasure to spend time with the Family at their home as our children swam together in their pool. Donna and Mike thank you so very much for making that happen. Those were fun times. My memories of Michael are of a person who was always giving and caring and I will miss him. Thank you for sharing those precious moments in time with me and my Family.

Dana Napier

August 14, 2019

a loved one

August 13, 2019

Mike was a class act always, I worked with Mike at Caesars and am not surprised of all his accomplishments my condolences to his family and friends. RIP

Fidel Salazar

August 13, 2019

Fidel Salazar

August 13, 2019

Donna and family, I am filled with sadness learning of your loss. Mike, whose testimony of good character, integrity and trustworthiness, was the real thing. What a blessing to have known Cousin Mike and his large /extended family. I treasured the laughs, the hikes and a few tears; I pray God fill his loved ones with peace and joy... And that hedge of protection knowing his memory is eternal.

Harry Ameen

Family

August 13, 2019

Donna and Family,
Word of Mikes passing has reached me in Park City. I am truly saddened to hear of your loss. Jack and I have lovely memories of being neighbors and sharing sports events with our children. We wish you strength and courage to carry on for Mike in the difficult time ahead. We are thinking of all of you and sending you our love and prayers.
Jack and Julie Breslin

Julie Breslin

August 13, 2019

Dearest Donna and Raftery Family,
I have many great memories of growing up with you all and how our families meshed. It was only natural that I would call Mike a friend. He was always a first class gentleman with a great sense of humor. His soft spoken way was comforting and sincere. I will cherish those memories.
Donna you have always been there for all of us. Please know, we are here for you.
Love,
Don Cheech Romeo

Don Cheech Romeo

August 12, 2019

Very sad to hear of Mike's passing! He was an absolute joy to be around. We were both at Bishop Gorman High School and worked at Caesars Palace together. He was always upbeat and a total gentleman!
My sincerest condolences to the Raftery family! God Bless You all!

Art Baez

August 12, 2019

We are so sorry to hear of Michael's passing, I will always remember his smile and gentle nature. He always made our family feel welcome, no matter the circumstance. Our prayers to the entire Raftery family and Michaels many friends.

Norm and Tara Khoury

August 11, 2019

Cannot say enough on how great of a person Mike truly was. Our sincere and heartfelt condolences to the Raftery family.

The Staresinics

August 10, 2019

I worked on the dice tables with Michael everyday for over 8 years.
He was a true gentleman as well as a true friend.
The manner and dignity in which he handled his illness was inspiring, he never expressed anything but hope and never discussed how much discomfort he must had been going through.
My heart goes out to your family Michael you were a wonderful husband and father and you will be missed greatly by all.
God Bless and Rest in Peace.

Paul Masciola

August 10, 2019

I have known Mike for over 50 years and has always been a good person.
So sorry to hear of his passing.
Elmo Vose

August 10, 2019

I am so sorry to hear of Michael's passing. A man with a genuine heart who loved his family with everything he had. It was always a treat for me to go visit with him at The Wynn when he was working; he always greeted me with a warm hug and kind words. My heart goes out to Donna, Cory, Carly, the Raftery family, and everyone who loved Michael. Although no words can really help to ease the loss you bear, just know that you are very close in every thought and prayer. With love.

Gina Oxley

August 9, 2019

I am so sorry for your tremendous loss. Mike was truly a gentle soul, who brought peace to those around him. My prayers are with his beautiful wife Donna and the entire Raftery family. I was so fortunate to have met Mike through Jimmy. Mike had a joyful spirit and great sense of humor.
Eternal rest grant your son Michael, O Lord. May his soul rest in peace.

Gregory Deno

August 9, 2019

Showing 1 - 22 of 22 results

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Memorial Events
for MICHAEL RAFTERY

Aug

15

Memorial Gathering

5:00 p.m.

Bishop Gorman High School Alumni Memorial Chapel

5959 S. Hualapai Way, NV

Aug

15

Rosary

6:00 p.m.

Bishop Gorman High School Alumni Memorial Chapel

5959 S. Hualapai Way, NV

Aug

16

Funeral Mass

10:00 a.m.

St. Viator Catholic Church

4246 South Eastern Ave, Las Vegas, NV

Funeral services provided by:

Kraft-Sussman Funeral & Cremation Services

3975 S. Durango Drive Suite 104, Las Vegas, NV 89147

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