Stephen Joseph RAFFAY

RAFFAY, Stephen Joseph

Stephen Joseph Raffay, 85, of West Hartford, beloved husband of 59 years of Audree Kuehne Raffay, passed away on November 19, 2012 at Hartford Hospital surrounded by his loving family. A philanthropist and international business executive, Steve will be remembered for his integrity, generosity, wisdom, energy and strength. He attended Columbia College B.A. '50, Columbia University Graduate School of Business M.S. '51. He earned a CPA New York State '56, attended Harvard University Advanced Management Program '75. While completing his degree at Columbia, Steve served in the military as a Sergeant in the Army. After working with Arthur Anderson & Co. as a Senior Accountant, '51-'56, Steve joined Emhart Corporation, and was Vice President International '67-'72, Executive Vice President and Director '79- '84, and Vice Chairman and Director '84-'87. At Emhart Steve was revered for his vast experience in international business management, responsible for close to 150 manufacturing companies both domestically and internationally. He was a pioneer in his worldwide travels to the Pacific Basin - Japan, China, Taiwan, Singapore - Europe, South Africa, and Russia, developing international business relations and American interests overseas. Steve shared his extensive business expertise as he served as Senior Vice President Corporate Development at Dexter Corporation '87-'90, and from 1990 to present as Director on several boards: Reflexite Corp., New Britain, CT; Fresnel Optics, Rochester, NY; Coating Sciences, Bloomfield, CT; Scharr Industries, Bloomfield, CT; United Plumbing Technologies, Newington, CT . Steve was also a past Director of the Bank of New England and one of the original founders of the Trust Co. of Connecticut. In the past several years Steve actively served as Director on the board of Superior Electric Co. - Bristol, CT; Life Technologies - Baltimore, MD.; EDAK Technologies Corp - Wisconsin; Rossi Corp. Higganum, CT; and presently Keeney Manufacturing Co., Newington, CT. Dedicated in his philanthropic efforts in the Hartford Community, Steve shared his many talents with numerous organizations, including Hartford Symphony Orchestra Emeritus (40 years), President of Hartford Arts Council and Director Hartford Chamber of Commerce. Steve was a member of St. John's Episcopal Church of West Hartford, as well as The Hartford Golf Club and The 1892 Club, Inc. Steve was an avid golfer enjoying the company of long-term friends. He enjoyed personal travel with family in Europe, Africa, Australia, and Wyoming. At Columbia University, Steve played varsity baseball. In addition to his beloved wife, Audree Kuehne Raffay, Steve is survived by his three children: Andrea Carson (San Jose, CA), Stephen G. Raffay (La Jolla, CA), and Leslie Raffay (Brooklyn, NY). He also leaves behind six grandchildren who will remember him for his love, devotion to his interests and accomplishments and sense of humor and warmth: Leslie Allison, Seth, Anastasia, Brianna, Andrew, and Adam. Others are his sister Ann Marie McKinney, and his sister-in-law Buena Pomeroy (CO) and godson Andrew Pomeroy (CO).
A Celebration of Steve's Life will be held Thursday, November 29, 11 a.m. at St. John's Episcopal Church, 679 Farmington Ave., West Hartford, CT. In lieu of flowers, gifts in memory of Steve may be made to St. John's Episcopal Church. Molloy Funeral Home is assisting with services and can be reached at 860-232-1322. To share a memory of Steve or condolences, you may mail the family, or email at: InMemoryOfStephenRaffay@gmail.com for remembrance at the Celebration of Steve's Life.