Photo courtesy of Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel - Worcester
Worcester, Massachusetts
Steven C. Raffa, 57, a retired Worcester Firefighter, passed away Monday, April 28th 2014 with family by his side after a long battle with Alzheimer?s disease.
Steven was born in Worcester , one of three sons of the late, Philip P. Raffa. He grew up on Benedict Road, graduated from North High School class of 1973. Steve then attended Worcester Industrial Technical Institute and earned his degree from Wentworth College. He has lived in Worcester all his life.
In 1987, Steven was appointed to the Worcester Fire Department as a firefighter assigned to Engine 6 at the Brown Square Station. He later transferred to the prestigious Rescue Squad where he remained until retiring due to illness in 2011 serving the City of Worcester for over 24 years. He also taught fire classes part-time for the Massachusetts Fire Academy in Stow.
Steve is survived by his wife Lynn (Bisceglia) Raffa; his children, Gianna Lynn and Joseph Philip Raffa; his mother, Isabel (Rana) Raffa; brothers, retired Worcester Firefighter, Frank P. Raffa and Philip P. Raffa; Neices, nephews, extended family and many friends.
Steve was a member of Our Lady of Mt Carmel Church, the International Brotherhood of Fire Fighters Union Local 1009. The Worcester Fire Relief, Honor and Color guard and the Worcester Fire Credit Union. A member of the Columbus Civic Association, United Way Ramp Gang, and the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Steve was very handy with his hands; He could fix most things and would not hesitate to help anyone who needed his help. He was a loving husband and father.
Friends and relatives are invited to calling hours Wednesday, April 30th from 4 pm to 8 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL; 370 Plantation St. His funeral will be held Thursday, May 1st from the funeral home with a procession to Our Lady of Mt Carmel Church, 24 Mulberry St where his Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 am. Burial will follow in Notre Dame Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer?s Association of Massachusetts, 128 Providence St #5, Worcester, MA 01604
Steve was a good kind brave man. Im honored to have been a high school friend of his. Steve deserves respect and honor in his being remembered, he earned it.
Freddie Potenti
April 22, 2019 | Brimfield/Worcester
Lynn and family
Cant believe 5 years has past
May his memory be eternal
Carol & Jason Hamilton
April 22, 2019 | Friend
Frank and Family,
Words can't express how sorry we were to hear of Steve's passing. I had the honor and pleasure to work with him at both E-6 and the Rescue. I can tell you as you already know that he was a great asset to the WFD. Thank you for everything , god bless, and may you rest in peace my friend
Randy & Gail Chavoor
May 08, 2014 | Delray Beach, FL
Frank and family:
So sorry for your loss. Please know we are extending our deepest sympathy and keeping you in our thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time. The world has lost a wonderful person, but Heaven has gained one great soul.
Fran Baldino
May 05, 2014
My deepest sympathy to the family. I was Gianna's second grade teacher at Abby Kelly Foster Charter School. Steve and his wife Lynn were caring and loving parents who cared deeply about their daughter's education. I was so impressed when Steve visited our classroom and shared with our class his passion of being a Worcester fire fighter.
May 02, 2014
Rest in peace Steve. We wish your family love peace and happy memories.
Rick and Terrie Lamarche
May 02, 2014 | Holden, MA
I am sorry to hear about the passing of Steve, who I worked with at the Mass. Fire Academy. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of sorrow.
David Salvi
May 02, 2014 | Somerville F.D.(retired)
We are so sorry for your loss. We met Steve through mutual friends after the Worcester Cold Storage Fire. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Steve and Mary Minor
Mary Minor
May 02, 2014 | Worcester, MA
To the Raffa family
My sympathy in the loss of your family member. I remember speaking to Phil a few years back as he was looking for some direction due to Steven's diagnosis and I have worked in that field for 29 years.
Remember all of your good times.
Helen O'Neill
May 01, 2014
