Lenny Rafalko

Konnichiwa! This is "Lenny from Pennsburg," Christian Name, Leonard Rafalko. I passed away on August 4, 2024, from complications due to ALS. Since my Diagnosis, I have done my best to power through ALS until I had no more. I succumbed to the disease 5 years after diagnosis. I would like to take this opportunity to thank those who have been influential in my life through their love, friendship, and caring.
I am fortunate to have spent my final years with my beautiful Wife, Marda Smith, who I love and adore forever. Marda's selfless devotion to me added years to my life. I fondly remember our first date on March 30th, 2015, when we parted with a hug and desire to see each other again. I remember Marda's soft and sensuous lips from our first kiss on the following Friday, April 3rd, 2015. Marda and I joined in Wedlock on October 7th, 2021. I have had no regrets since the moment I met Marda.
My hope is that I was not overly burdensome, and that Marda reflects on our life together with love, laughter, and joy as she moves forward enjoying all that life still has to offer. Marda, I wish you drives that are long and straight and chipping that is soft and true. Enjoy the sunsets on the bay and a Cosmo at The Concord. Marda, please enjoy many a Coffee Clutch with our best buddy, Norm.
My Parents, Gervus and Arline Rafalko were the best a son could hope for. I have often reflected on the life lessons they shared, and the unconditional love shown to me. Simply put, my Mom and Dad were good people with an unbridled love for their Family. My parents gave me every opportunity a son could hope for. I have no other heroes in my life other than my mom and dad.
I am also blessed with my wonderful daughter, Jessica Rafalko and her husband, Mark Plachta. February 5th, 1992, was and shall remain the most wonderful day of my life when Jess's mother, MJ, and I welcomed our daughter into this world. I wanted nothing more than to be a good father to my daughter providing love, comfort, security, and encouragement in all her endeavors. My hope is that I have not fallen short of this goal and that Jess can look beyond those times when I stumbled. Truth be told, Jessica offered me as much encouragement as I did her. I still remember the day when I lamented to her that I am not much of a handy man and she turned to me and said, "Yes Daddy you are, you fixed my yo-yo." Also, those moments where we bonded together learning our civics lessons from episodes of The Simpsons.
Jessica and Mark wed on July 10th, 2021. On this day, they pledged their support and devotion to each other. I wish them a lifetime of unconditional love, compassion, humility, and laughter. On occasion, remember me with a shot of Jameson.
I thank my sisters, Karen, Laureen, and Lynne, for their love and kindness through our years together. We shared both challenges and laughter, which I always believed furthered our relationship. My sisters gave me wonderful nephews and nieces, each of which I love. I thank Christopher, JT, Dan, Andrew, Natalie, Ben, Reily, and Shelby for embracing the Rafalko Family. Long live our Annual Family Cook-offs! As a reminder, Chili is supposed to be red.
Over the years, I have had many friendships. Regrettably, many of these friendships have faded over time but are no less important to me. As I prepare my final writing, I was fortunate to work with a great bunch of people with whom I have remained in contact including Bob, Tracy, Darren, Matt, Larry, Ralph, Gary H., George, Martha, Julie, Mark, Clive, and JT. These folks routinely reached out to me during my illness providing a smile and a laugh. Bob and Julie share a Phightin' Phils Game for me. John, I hope your cooler is never empty and warm. Enjoy a Vinyl Party for me every once in a while, play The Stones and not those other Guys.
Rich and Scott are two of my most Dear Friends. Rich - We have shared so many choice moments together including Oriel Games, nights at Dallas, and March Madness Marathons. Scott – You are a dear friend. One of my most proud moments was when you asked me to say a toast at your wedding with Adrienne. I am glad to know that I have lived long enough to see you and Adrienne have resolve the Raven Redskin conflict.
While ALS is a terrible disease, I have had some of my most fulfilling interpersonal relationships since being diagnosed. I thank the welcoming arms of the St. Mark's Lutheran Church Community. Under the leadership and friendship of Paul, Heather, and Connie, Team Lenny's Light was formed by the Youth Outreach Group. Team Lenny's Light selected ALS as their sponsored charity, raising tens of thousands of dollars for the benefit of the ALS Community. I will never forget your kindness. Paul, thank you for our Wednesday's together, I looked forward to each and every one.
To my Lunch Bunch- I looked forward to each and every lunch we shared. Never forget that scrapple IS a major food group. I thank my Bible Study Classmates, specifically Deborah for saving me a place every Sunday. Your tolerance of my questioning ramble will always be appreciated.
To the Mexicans – I enjoyed all our Fridays that we were able to get together to talk, laugh, eat, and compete. Marda, Russ, Linda, Mike, and Gail, please keep the station open for my shiny copper train.
Larry and Elaine – A finer couple I have never met. Your compassion and selflessness that you show Marda and me and all of your friends is unmatched. You are truly one of a kind.
Jackie and THE Tom O'Brien – Know that I smile every time I recount our moments together. Jackie- I am proud of the fact that I taught you how to slam back shots of Jameson as you prepared for your trip to the Emerald Isle. THE Tom O'Brien- Truth be told, Norm is still Norm despite your best efforts to treat him as a dog. WHOOP, WHOOP!
Caregivers – The angels that came into my life, there are no words to describe how much you have meant to my family and me over the last 5 years. I appreciate all that you have done for us, and I hope that you hold us in your hearts in the same way you weigh heavy in ours.
Lenny didn't get a chance to finish his obituary, and I'm sure it would be full of the wisdom, fun, and wit we all came to know over our time with Lenny. But I like to think he left this last part for us, so that we could write one last sendoff to the amazing person who has meant so much to our lives. Through this final chapter of Lenny's life, he would always tell Marda, "it could be worse." But that was who Lenny was, right? He was always someone who seemed to strive for what was better while still appreciating his blessings. I'll always remember Lenny as a person who was always surrounded by good friends, a loving family, and a house filled with laughter. His smile and his laugh will be what lives on in us. Keep laughing, Lenny.
Please join us to celebrate Lenny's life on August 24, 2024. A service will be held at St. Mark's Lutheran Church, 81 N. Main St., Pennsburg, PA 18073 at 1:00 PM and there will be a reception to follow at the PC Pub, in the Pennsburg Square Shopping Center, 468 Pottstown Ave., Pennsburg, PA 18073.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the charity that was started in Lenny's name:
"Team Lenny's Light." Please make checks payable to Marda Smith with "Team Lenny's Light" on the memo line. Checks can be mailed to St. Mark's Lutheran Church, 81 N. Main St., Pennsburg, PA 18073.