John Paul Rafter

WHAT A CHARACTER, and a pioneer! He was important in many RBC lives. Thank you Mr. Rafter!

As a father and grandpa, the highest compliment I can give anyone is to say that I wish that my sons and grandson had met them. I truly wish they had had Jack Rafter in their lives, even for a short time, as I did. There are some people who when I think of them, a smile comes to my face immediately. I have a big one on my face as I write this. Thanks coach. Hector '67.

Jack Rafter is a distinguished member of the Human Hall of Fame. Anyone reading this knows the reaction we get when his name is mentioned. He found so many ways to reach so many people and touched us in a very personal way.

In looking at the many sentiments offerd by those who have entered their thoughts in this book, and from the many different corners in the country that messages were sent - one thing is very clear - Jack's legacy will forever be tied to all of us.

If he ever doubted his ability to reach the student, then let this serve as the true testament that his effort in this life did matter. He had a huge positive impact on so many lives. The thousands he taught picked up his lessons to...

I was so sad to learn or Mr. Rafter's passing (yes - he'll always be Mr. Rafter to me). I was in his history class at RBC, and I'll always remember 2 things from that time: 1) how interesting history can be when it's taught well and 2) that he once told our class something to effect that, if you want to know if a person is really aware and engaged, they'll know how much money is in their pocket...right down to the penny. When he told us that last line about the money, everyone quickly tried...

Tom my Mother and the whole Rafter family:
Jack was wonderful and a great friend. Funny warm and quick witted. I know he loved you all.

Rafter Family,
Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the passing of your Dad. As an alumni of RBC'70 I knew your Dad as an icon and respected him tremendously. But my fondest memory is spending time with him, believe it or not, in Fratelli's Barber Shop in Allenhurst with my own father. We had a great converstion about family, caring for each of ours, trials and tribulations as parents caring for children, wives and husbands, and my station in life at the time-caring for my Dad who...

Uncle Jack was a legend in his own time and beyond.His dedication to his craft, school and students was exceptional. He will most certainly be missed. God Bless.

I felt like I knew Jack like an uncle I never met as a kid, from hearing all of my big brother's Jack Rafter stories he would tell every night after practice (65-69) (Joe Freeman) When I went to RBC 71-75 I was taught by Jack, and saw this guy in real life, and his quirky enthusiasm charmed not only me, but many of us in History class. I took up running after college, in part, inspired by my brother's experiences with Jack. In a way Jack's legacy lived on in me because of how he inspired...