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Steven Raffa Obituary
WORCESTER - Steven C. Raffa, 57, a retired Worcester Firefighter, passed away Monday, April 28th 2014 with family by his side after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease.
Steven was born in Worcester , one of three sons of the late, Philip P. Raffa. He grew up on Benedict Road, graduated from North High School class of 1973. Steve then attended Worcester Industrial Technical Institute and earned his degree from Wentworth College. He has lived in Worcester all his life.
In 1987, Steven was appointed to the Worcester Fire Department as a firefighter assigned to Engine 6 at the Brown Square Station. He later transferred to the prestigious Rescue Squad where he remained until retiring due to illness in 2011 serving the City of Worcester for over 24 years. He also taught fire classes part-time for the Massachusetts Fire Academy in Stow.
Steve is survived by his wife Lynn (Bisceglia) Raffa; his children, Gianna Lynn and Joseph Philip Raffa; his mother, Isabel (Rana) Raffa; brothers, retired Worcester Firefighter, Frank P. Raffa and Philip P. Raffa; Neices, nephews, extended family and many friends.
Steve was a member of Our Lady of Mt Carmel Church, the International Brotherhood of Fire Fighters Union Local 1009. The Worcester Fire Relief, Honor and Color guard and the Worcester Fire Credit Union. A member of the Columbus Civic Association, United Way Ramp Gang, and the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Steve was very handy with his hands; He could fix most things and would not hesitate to help anyone who needed his help. He was a loving husband, father, son and brother. .
Friends and relatives are invited to calling hours Wednesday, April 30th from 4 pm to 8 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL; 370 Plantation St. His funeral will be held Thursday, May 1st from the funeral home with a procession to Our Lady of Mt Carmel Church, 24 Mulberry St where his Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 am. Burial will follow in Notre Dame Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association of Massachusetts, 128 Providence St #5, Worcester, MA 01604
www.mercadantefuneral.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Steven Raffa
Freddie Potenti
April 22, 2019
Steve was a good kind brave man. Im honored to have been a high school friend of his. Steve deserves respect and honor in his being remembered, he earned it.
Carol & Jason Hamilton
April 22, 2019
Lynn and family
Cant believe 5 years has past
May his memory be eternal
Randy & Gail Chavoor
May 8, 2014
Frank and Family,
Words can't express how sorry we were to hear of Steve's passing. I had the honor and pleasure to work with him at both E-6 and the Rescue. I can tell you as you already know that he was a great asset to the WFD. Thank you for everything , god bless, and may you rest in peace my friend
May 5, 2014
Frank and family:
So sorry for your loss. Please know we are extending our deepest sympathy and keeping you in our thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time. The world has lost a wonderful person, but Heaven has gained one great soul.
Fran Baldino
May 2, 2014
My deepest sympathy to the family. I was Gianna's second grade teacher at Abby Kelly Foster Charter School. Steve and his wife Lynn were caring and loving parents who cared deeply about their daughter's education. I was so impressed when Steve visited our classroom and shared with our class his passion of being a Worcester fire fighter.
Rick and Terrie Lamarche
May 2, 2014
Rest in peace Steve. We wish your family love peace and happy memories.
David Salvi
May 2, 2014
I am sorry to hear about the passing of Steve, who I worked with at the Mass. Fire Academy. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of sorrow.
Mary Minor
May 2, 2014
We are so sorry for your loss. We met Steve through mutual friends after the Worcester Cold Storage Fire. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Steve and Mary Minor
May 1, 2014
To the Raffa family
My sympathy in the loss of your family member. I remember speaking to Phil a few years back as he was looking for some direction due to Steven's diagnosis and I have worked in that field for 29 years.
Remember all of your good times.
Helen O'Neill
May 1, 2014
Frank
I was sorry to hear about the passing of your brother Steve my thoughts are with you. Unfortunately I am in seattle so I can't offer my condolences personally
Paul giorgio
May 1, 2014
Lynn, Gianna and Joey May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Our deepest sympathy Angela and Joe Simone
May 1, 2014
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
May 1, 2014
To the whole Raffa family our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Paul D. and Terrie
April 30, 2014
To Frank and the Raffa Family,
Condolences on your loss.
Mike Galvin (WPD civilian, retired)
April 30, 2014
Phil, I am so sorry to hear about Steve's passing. I remember him as being a sweet little brother to you and Frank. My sincere condolences to you, Frank and your mom.
Nancy (Howard) Cronin
Anthony Petrone & family
April 30, 2014
To the Raffa,
Steve was a great public servant who clearly loved both his families. Our conversations always were centered around his children and his brother/sister's at WFD.
May our God welcome him into his home and allow Steve to comfort all of you during these difficult times.
We know that living here is a temporary home and following our God's plans will allow us all to be with each other once again.
May Steve rest in peace.
Geoffrey Gardell
April 30, 2014
May you rest in peace now Steven,you will always be missed and remembered as a great Rescue 1 member of WFD
Mary Lou Zamarro
April 30, 2014
Dear Frank and Raffa Family Members,
So sorry to hear of Steve's passing. He was the nicest guy anyone could be honored to know.
I have great respect for you, Frank the way that you protectively watched over Steve during his early onset of illness and made sure that he and his family had their needs met throughout his whole ordeal. Even as his illness robbed him of his memory, Steve's family and his fire fighter family were there for him.
God bless you, all. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Dolores Rana Mc Clune
April 30, 2014
Rest in Peace now. You fought a brave fight. Will always love and remember you. Cousin Dolores
April 30, 2014
Auntie Liz, Uncle John. Phil and Frank. My prayers are with all of you in this time of sorrow. Love Jim & Dolores Rana MC Clune
Marcia Martin
April 30, 2014
Dear Frank and Family, we are so sorry for your loss. Losing a brother leaves a hole in your heart that we hope will mend with time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this sad time. Thinking of you.
Marcia and Billy Martin
fred potenti
April 30, 2014
My sincere condolences to the Raffa Family. Steve and i went to Jr & Sr High School together. I have not seen him in years but heard of his illness from his brother. Raff was always a great guy and very well liked. May God Rest his soul. Freddie Potenti Jr.
Amy (Crawford) O'Farrell
April 30, 2014
Lynn, Gianna & Joey - my deepest sympathy on your loss. He will always be your guardian angel and is no longer suffering. I am sending love and hugs from Florida. RIP Steve.
Keith Jackson
April 30, 2014
Frank,
So sorry to learn of Steve's passing. I know how much you cared for each other. It was obvious. I will cherish fond memories of Steve , as I'm sure you will as well. Peace Brother.
GLENN RICH
April 30, 2014
TO ALL OF STEVE'S FAMILY I AM SORRY TO HERE OF YOUR LOSS. GLENN RICH RETIRED WORCESTER FIRE ALARM
Lisa (Lenkarski) Pellitteri
April 30, 2014
The whole Raffa family occupies a special place in my heart. This was sad news to hear. My thoughts are with you Frank, Tracie, Katie and everyone else who loved Steven.
Dave&Pat Halvorsen
April 30, 2014
Frank
Pat And I were so saddened to learn of Steve's passing.He always had a smile on his face and it was a honor to not only work with him but also to call him a friend.
April 30, 2014
Lynn, Gianna and Joe,
So sorry for your loss. Steve was a wonderful man. My sincere sympathy to you all. May he rest in peace.
Carleen Trafecante
Vito Petrone
April 30, 2014
So sorry to learn of Steve's passing. May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Gary MacDonal
April 30, 2014
Dear Raffa family,
We were so sorry to hear of Steve's passing . May he rest in peace.
With deepest sympathy,
James Chirchigno
April 30, 2014
My thoughts and prayers go out to your family...God Bless
Cheryl Steuterman Millett
April 30, 2014
I'm so sorry to hear about Raf, he was such a great guy. My brother and I worked with him at O'Coins for years and were very fond of him. When I would visit my mother in law at the nursing home, I always checked in on Raf, I'll miss seeing him.
Bob & Jeanne Clouthier
April 30, 2014
Frank and family, We so sorry for your loss.
Victoria Pellegrino
April 30, 2014
All my thoughts and prayer go out to the Raffa family and friends.......peace be with you. All my love, Vicky
Jill Zamarro
April 30, 2014
Phil,Lucia,Dena & Frank - I am so very sorry to hear of Steven's passing. He was so kind and welcoming to me and he always had a smile on his face.
Mr & Mrs Philip C Price Jr
April 30, 2014
To the Family;
We offer our sincerest condolences and thoughts and prayers at your time of need
Joseph Hilton
April 30, 2014
My sincerest condolences to the friends, colleagues, and family of Steve. May he Rest in Peace. God Bless you Steve. You will be greatly missed. - Tpr Joseph J. Hilton, Charlton Barracks.
Chris Robinson
April 29, 2014
Sorry to hear of the passing of our cousin,your loving son and brother. May he now rest in peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with you .
Leo, Phyllis, Yanni and Fotini Gertsios
April 29, 2014
Lynn, Gianna and Joe
We pray you find peace and comfort in knowing an angel is watching over you all. We will continue to keep you in our thoughts and prayers through this difficult time. May Steve rest in peace and his memory be eternal.
Kyle Lewandowski
April 29, 2014
Joey, I'm so sorry about your dad. I'll be keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
April 29, 2014
April 29, 2014
Peter Pats,Jr.
April 29, 2014
Raffa family,very sorry for your tragic loss.Much too young to be taken from you at this time.Keep him in your hearts always and stay well.
John Lynch
April 29, 2014
To Phil.,Frank and the rest of the Raffa family
I am so sorry for your loss Steve was one of the most selfless people I have ever met. Steve would give you the shirt off his back without hesitating . City of Worcester have no idea what it has loss. Steve was one of the great firefighters. Steve finally can be at peace!
April 29, 2014
Cousin, you will be beautifully remembered. Journey now in restful peace.
Grace Cucurullo, Williamsburg, Va.
April 29, 2014
To the Raffa Family. As Steves former boss at the Depatrment of Fire Services, I am saddened to hear that Steve has passed away. Steve was not only an empoyee but a great friend. Without his guidence, there were many timmes I am not sure I would have made the right decision. I hope and pray that this sad time in your life passes.
Steve Fournier Ret.DFS Engineering Mgr.
Terry (Raffa) Benton
April 29, 2014
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Hermis Yanis, Jr.
April 29, 2014
My deepest condolences to the entire Raffa family.
May God keep you all in his loving protection and give you the strength to get through this time.
Betsey, Ian and Gillian Harvey
April 29, 2014
It can be so hard to face the first year without your loved one, but the love of family and friends can carry you through.
Maria Cariglia
April 29, 2014
Lynn, Gianna and Joey
We are so sorry to hear about Steve. He was such a good guy. May he rest in peace.
Love the Cariglia's
Kate Toomey
April 29, 2014
Lynn, Joey and Gianna,
Please accept my sincere and heartfelt sympathy on the loss of your husband and father, Steve. There are no words that can soothe the pain of loss, there is no way to stem the tide of grief. But I hope that the outpouring of love and concern from your large network of family and friends will comfort you during this time.
Thank you also, for sharing Steve with the City of Worcester, as he performed his duties as a member of the Worcester Fire Department with honor. His service, valor and love for his fellow man was greatly appreciated.
With love and sympathy,
Kate Toomey
April 29, 2014
to the Raffa family,
I knew Steve from when we both worked at the Mass Fire Academy. I was sorry to hear of his passing and hope you can find some comfort in pleasant memories may he Rest in Peace.
Kevin Robinson
Marshfield Fire Chief
April 29, 2014
dear frank i am sorry for your loss of your brother steven. i know how it is to loose a brother. he is now up there with a lot of good firefighters , brothers. crystal jackson
Lydia Bogar
April 29, 2014
Stevie's smile lit up the halls at DFS. May he rest in peace.
Tina Beaver
April 29, 2014
Lynn, Joey, and Gianna,
I am so vey sorry for your loss. Steve was a great guy and good neighbor. I am glad to have had the pleasure of knowing him. My the Lord be with you as you prepare to say farwell, not goodbye since he will always be by your side and alive in your thoughts and memories...looking down on you from heaven. god bless you all for being so strong and supportive and by his side as he fought a courageous battle. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.
xo Tina
April 29, 2014
We are deeply saddened by your family loss. Know our prayers are with you all during this mourningful time of your life. Blessings to all.
Doug and Lisa Aylaian
Al and June Awad
April 29, 2014
Dear Raffa family, we are so sorry for your loss of Steve. May he rest in peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
love, Al and June Awad
Linda Monopoli
April 29, 2014
Steve you are at peace now
Peter & Karen Cangello
April 29, 2014
The memories of the past 40 years will never be forgotten.
"Rags" was a true friend and gentlemen. We loved him.
Our sincere simpathy to the Raffa family.
Leigh Attridge
April 29, 2014
Frank & Phil & family - I am so sorry for your loss. I remember him from when we were kids & cousins together. You are in my thoughts & prayers
Tony,Cheryl Crystal and Alexa Cicero
April 29, 2014
Lynn ,Gianna , and Joe , We are so sorry to hear of your loss . Our thoughts and prayers are with you .
Joe Paparella
April 29, 2014
Raffa Family, Please, know many are keeping you in their prayers. God Bless, Brother.
Nicole Valentine
April 28, 2014
A heart of gold and a smile that took over any room. For ten years Stevie watched over me on fire scenes like a big brother, not letting the truck roll away each time until he knew that our Red Cross volunteers and our clients were all safe. What many did not know of was his yearly trip at Christmas with toys for the youngest fire victims, a tradition I had learned to love from a man and his buddies who gave so much to these families in so many ways. My heart is with you all, shine on buddy. I love ya!
Cristin, Brett, Hunter & Scarlett Murphy
April 28, 2014
We are never prepared to say goodbye, but our faith tells us that Steve is in a better place now. Your family is forever in our thoughts and prayers.
Carol and Jason Hamilton
April 28, 2014
Lynn and family we are so sorry to learn of your husbands passing. May he rest in peace.
Sue & Lou Rinaldi
April 28, 2014
Dear Raffa Family,
So very sorry to read about Steve's passing. He is now at peace. Thoughts and prayers are with you all.
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Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel370 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605
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