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MATTHEW C. RAFFERTY

1969 - 2014

MATTHEW C. RAFFERTY obituary, 1969-2014, Wallingford, CT

FUNERAL HOME

B.C. Bailey Funeral Home - Wallingford

273 South Elm Street

Wallingford, Connecticut

MATTHEW RAFFERTY Obituary

RAFFERTY, MATTHEW C., Ph.D Matthew Christopher Rafferty, Ph.D., 44, of Wallingford, peacefully departed this life on Saturday, October 11, 2014, at home surrounded by family, friends, and his loving wife, Sacha O’Connor. Matthew was born on December 16, 1969 in New Haven, CT, son of John and Margaret Grady Rafferty. He attended Manchester High School in Richmond, VA, where he was a member of the debate, track, football and cross-country teams. He graduated from the College of William & Mary with high honors and continued studies at the University of California, Davis, where he earned a master’s degree and doctoral degree in economics. He was an accomplished author and sought after consultant. As a passionate educator, he was visiting professor at Union College and then rose to the rank of full professor at Quinnipiac University where he served as the department chair until the time of his death. In addition to his wife and parents, he will be sadly missed by his brothers -- John (Elizabeth) of Orange, Charles (Wendy) of Sandy Hook, Brendan (Deborah) of NJ; father and mother-in-law -- Robert and Elaine O’Connor of NY; brothers-in-law -- Sheridan (Erin) O’Connor of NC, Sedrick (Kimberly) O’Connor of NY, Warren (Emily) O’Connor of NY; sisters-in-law – Jennifer, Caroline, and Savanna O’Connor of VT, and Britney (Ben) Smith of MD; adoring nieces -- Kelli, Callan, Caroline, Chatham, and Julia Rafferty, and Nola O’Connor; and nephews -- Brady and Bailey O’Connor, and Jacob Smith; as well as his faithful dog Cooper. Relatives and friends may call on Thursday, October 16, at B.C. Bailey Funeral Home, 273 S. Elm St., Wallingford, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, October 17, at 10:30 a.m. at Church of the Resurrection, 115 Pond Hill Road, Wallingford. Burial at St. Peter’s Cemetery in Derby will be private. Memorial contributions may be directed to Smilow Cancer Hospital at Yale-New Haven and The Connecticut Hospice. To leave a message of hope and remembrance or for directions, please visit www.BCBailey.com

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

Published by The New Haven Register from Oct. 13 to Oct. 14, 2014.

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Michael Jerauld

November 9, 2014

I am deeply saddened by this news. Professor Rafferty was always eager to impart his knowledge on others. He spent countless hours outside of regularly scheduled classroom time to ensure his students had every opportunity for success. He was extremely well respected by his students and has helped to shape my career choices post college. The knowledge and energy he has shared with his students will live on. Thank you, Professor for all you have done for myself and others. May you rest in peace.

Love from Amy Coburn

October 15, 2014

My heart is with you all. I feel so privileged that I got to meet Matt and to witness how he and Sacha loved each other in smaller moments. His light continues to shine on. ((Hugs))

Rory Shannon

October 15, 2014

I was very sorry to hear about the loss of Professor Rafferty. He helped me out an awful lot during my time at Quinnipiac, as well as after. He was a great professor and took a real interest in his students. My prayers to his family and I know his impact goes on. Thanks Professor Rafferty.

tracy and steve

October 15, 2014

Your light here on earth burnt out too soon, but we know it is shining super bright in heaven.

October 14, 2014

Jack & Beth,
Our sincere condolences to you and your family for your loss. May time heal your sorrow and may the lasting memories comfort you in the future.
Sincerely,
Maureen & Paul Lanning

October 14, 2014

So you`ve changed your address to heaven....and Heaven is where you belong but you left behind a Loving family that will remember you for oh so Long.Remember the weddings,Family reunions and fun on Chateaugay Lake but Nothing can replace the Void in our Hearts and the people`s hearts that Ache.So go now and look down upon us from time to time and guide us and one day we`ll meet again with your Shinning light!! God Bless you Brother.

Theresa Weikel

October 14, 2014

My deepest sympathy to the Rafferty family. Praying that God wrap His Arms around you for comfort and strength during this difficult journey

Dolores OConnor

October 14, 2014

When words cant express such a deep sadness. My heart can feel such happiness of knowing Matt. My heart goes out to you Sacha, and everyone in your dear family members. May God guide you..... Love, Aunt Dolores

Sacha O'Connor Rafferty

October 14, 2014

I love you, Matt. Stay close.
Always,
Sacha

Sacha O'Connor Rafferty

October 14, 2014

I love you, Matt. Stay close.
Always,
Sacha

Leslie Hunter

October 14, 2014

I had the pleasure of knowing Matt for many years here at QU. He was a wonderful man and I enjoyed and will always remember our chats. He always made it a point to bring Cooper by when he was on campus. He will truly be missed. My heart goes out to the entire Rafferty family.

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Memorial Events
for MATTHEW RAFFERTY

Oct

16

Calling hours

4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

B.C. Bailey Funeral Home - Wallingford

273 South Elm Street, Wallingford, CT 06492

Oct

17

Mass of Christian Burial

10:30 a.m.

Church of the Resurrection

115 Pond Hill Road, Wallingford, CT

Funeral services provided by:

B.C. Bailey Funeral Home - Wallingford

273 South Elm Street, Wallingford, CT 06492

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