Thomas Dave Rafferty

Thomas Dave Rafferty obituary, Greenville, SC

Thomas Dave Rafferty

Thomas Rafferty Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Sunset Funeral & Cremation Services and Cemetery - North Olmsted on Feb. 21, 2026.
Thomas Dave Rafferty, age 71, passed away on February 15, 2026, in Greenville, South Carolina. He was born on October 19, 1954, in Lakewood, Ohio, to the late Jim and Viola "Vi" Rafferty.

Tom was a 1973 graduate of St. Ignatius High School and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Case Western Reserve University in 1976. He continued his studies at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, completing both his surgical residency and vascular surgery fellowship in 1986. Tom dedicated more than 28 years to his career as a vascular surgeon and later served as a hospitalist in both Cleveland and Greenville before retiring fully in 2022.

On October 12, 1979, Tom married his beloved wife, Christine (née Wolff), in Cleveland, Ohio. Together they built a family grounded in love, laughter, and unwavering support.

In his free time, Tom enjoyed golfing, working on landscaping projects, and his cherished annual ski trips to Colorado.

He will be remembered for his witty sense of humor, dedication to his career, and loyalty to his close friends and family.

Tom is survived by his beloved wife, Christine; his children, Leslie, Tom, and Julie; his brothers, Jim and Tim Rafferty; and his grandchildren, Camden, Lachlan, and Adeline Hannah.

A Memorial Mass will be held on March 10, 2026, at 11:30 AM at St. Angela Merici Church in Fairview, Ohio, with a luncheon to follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Rafferty Family Scholarship Fund at St. Ignatius High School:

https://www.ignatius.edu/give.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

How to support Thomas's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services, and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor Thomas Rafferty's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign Thomas Rafferty's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?