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Michael Rafferty Obituary
The Rev. Michael Joseph Rafferty, pastor emeritus of Our Lady of Sorrows, West Wyoming, died Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024, after having faithfully served the Diocese of Scranton for 67 years.
The Rev. Rafferty, son of the late Joseph M. Rafferty and Helen L. Fursha Rafferty, was born in Scranton on Oct. 15, 1930. He was a graduate of Scranton Central High School and attended the University of Scranton, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree. The Reverend studied for the priesthood at St. Vincent Seminary, Latrobe, and was ordained to the priesthood on July 15, 1957, in St. Peter's Cathedral by the Most Rev. Jerome D. Hannan D.D., late bishop of Scranton.
The Rev. Rafferty received a summer assignment as assistant pro tem at St. Mary of the Mount, Mt. Pocono, in June 1957. In October 1957, Father was appointed assistant pastor at Gate of Heaven, Dallas, and served until his appointment as assistant Pastor at Sacred Heart, Plains Twp., in September 1966. In September 1968, Father was appointed professor at College Misericordia and chaplain in September 1971.
The Rev. Rafferty was appointed pastor at Our Lady of Sorrows, West Wyoming, in September 1975, and served for 31 years until his retirement and appointment as pastor emeritus in July 2006.
The Rev. Rafferty is survived by a brother, Philip Rafferty, Dunmore; a niece, Karen Rafferty, MD, JD, Cape Canaveral, Fla.; a nephew, Kevin Rafferty; and niece, Erin Rafferty Cole, both of Columbus, Ohio.
He was preceded in death by a brother, Ronald J. Rafferty, Columbus, Ohio; and Sister Mariel Rafferty MHSH, Baltimore, Md.
A viewing and vesper service were held in Our Lady of Sorrows Church, St. Monica Parish, West Wyoming, along with a Pontifical Mass of Christian Burial celebrated by the Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L., bishop of Scranton. Interment was in Cathedral Cemetery, Scranton.
Arrangements are by Albert P. O'Donnell Funeral Home, 2025 Green Ridge St., Dunmore.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
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Jo Ann Lewis Rinehart
October 1, 2024
I grew up in Our Lady of Sorrows church remembering all of Fr. Rafferty's sermons. I remember being a little kid and he coming into the classroom and we would all run to him being so excited to see him. All my sacraments were done by Fr. Rafferty and he even married me back in 1990. Such a beautiful soul he is...now with Christ for eternity. Wishing his family peace knowing he is with our Savior.
Kathy Pelleschi
September 30, 2024
Father Rafferty was a gem. I´ve known him since I´m 10 when he became our parish priest at Our Lady of Sorrows. He helped myself and others through the difficult times especially when we were teenagers. He helped strengthen my faith throughout my life. I will be forever grateful!
Regina Yankalunas
September 29, 2024
God bless Fr Rafferty, a holy man and wonderful priest. I first knew him as a high school student at Sacred Heart, then at Misericordia where I a student, then after I married and had children we lived in Wyoming and he was our pastor. My children loved him in their teen years. He influenced several generations of our family. We are grateful. Regina Yankalunas and Bob, Jason, Sara, Peter. Smile on us from heaven.
Lorraine & Ken Schuette
September 29, 2024
Father Rafferty became a friend & confidant to many students while at Misericordia. My husband (who "Raf" has always referred to as "the saint") & I were privileged to have him officiate at our wedding in Allentown some 48 years ago. He has remained a good friend and source of counsel to us all these years later. His memory IS a blessing!
Kathy Rossick
September 28, 2024
Father Rafferty....loved Easter at the church... ducks and jellybeans...ill never forget. God bless his family ...RIP Father.....
Pat Smith Sorber
September 27, 2024
Father Rafferty served at Gate of Heaven when I was a student there. Wonderful man.
Patrick Stenger
September 27, 2024
One of favorites at Our Lady of Victory Harveys Lake and Gate of Heaven school. Even as a kid his sermons were real world and meaningful to me. RIP Pat Stenger
Linda
September 27, 2024
I remember Father Rafferty when he was at Gate of Heaven. I remember our class sang to him when he was leaving for his next assignment. May he rest in peace.
Dorothy A & George M. Artim
September 27, 2024
I was blessed to have Father Rafferty as my boss for 18 years....and my friend for many more....He was truly a blessing for so many and will be greatly missed.. God has gained the best angel...
Adam Buckman
September 26, 2024
Here's a refined version of your message:
"I remember when I was in 2nd grade, I had trouble eating certain foods. He was so thoughtful that he would break the host in half for me every time, even after he retired. He even made sure his replacement continued to do the same. I´ll never forget his sense of humor and his wonderful homilies. He will truly be missed."
Mary Theresa Fosko
September 26, 2024
Father was a huge part of my life, as I grew up in West Wyoming and OLOS was my parish. He was kind, had a huge heart and was just a great man. I hope he is looking down on all of us as we will miss him.
Thomas Tomsak
September 26, 2024
So sorry on the loss on my dear friend Fr Rafferty. He was the best of the best. Being a member of Our Lady of Sorrows Church since my birth I served as and altar boy under his wing for 9 years also belonging to many of the organizations in which I still do from the Teen Action Club, ushers club, holy name society, religious educator. I pray for him that he rests in the Lords hands. I recieved all my sacraments under his tenure. I was married by him and both my daughters were baptized my him as well. He was truly a saint. Rest in peace my friend
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