Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1944
DIED
2020
FUNERAL HOME
Frank Raffa Obituary
He was born Aug. 16, 1944, in Hartford. He was the son of the deceased Frank A and Ann (Ferrigno) Raffa.
Frank grew up on Roxbury Road in East Hartford, a place he always said was like "Happy Days". He was very proud of his years "behind the counter" at Raffa's Package Store, the family business established in 1947.
He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Linda D'Antonio Raffa, and his two daughters, Stefanie Raffa Adjekum and Gretchen Raffa; and by his loving grandson, Amaré Kyrie Adjekum. Frank is also survived by his sister Carol Raffa Benson and her children, Lisa Little and Paul Zabilansky; his two great-nephews, Chucky and Charlie; his mother-in-law, Josephine D'Antonio; and sister-in-law, sister Annette D'Antonio, MPF. He was predeceased by nephew Chuck Zabilansky; and father-in-law, Luke D'Antonio.
Frank treasured the relationships he had with his dear cousins and cherished friends, too many to mention here. He welcomed everyone into his circle and his friends were considered his family. He enjoyed living at Giants Neck Beach and taking his daily walks there and at Rocky Neck.Frank was definitely a "people person ", who loved talking with and sharing a laugh with everyone he knew or met along the way and hopes that is how he will be remembered.
Fulton-Theroux on Lake Avenue, Niantic is assisting the family with arrangements. At Frank's request, there are no calling hours or services. He would like us to meet "under the martini tree" sometime during the summer, raise a glass, and share a laugh or two, as we reminisce.
The family would like to thank the wonderful doctors and caring nursing staff of Yale New Haven Hospital and St Raphael's in New Haven, especially their Palliative Care team that provided much comfort and guidance to Frank. Frank spent his final days at the beautiful and peaceful Connecticut Hospice in Branford. There are no words that can describe the loving devotion and commitment of each and every provider, staff member and volunteer, not only to those in their care, but to the family as well. For this we are forever grateful.
In lieu of flowers, those who wish, may make a donation to CT Hospice, 100 Double Beach Road, Branford, CT 06405 or the Jimmy V Foundation for Cancer Research,14600 Weston Parkway, Cary, NC 27513.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Frank Raffa
Sponsored by Fulton-Theroux Funeral Service.
Sylvia Welch
August 10, 2025
Happy birthday,Frank.....we miss you big time.....xo....syl and fam
Syl Welch
January 10, 2025
The candle is lit. Frank´s light is always near. xo Jim and Syl
Sylvia welch
January 14, 2023
Lighting a candle in Frank´s honor today.
Jim and syl
Jim, Syl, and Crista Welch
January 11, 2022
Frank´s passing was heartfelt by all. On this anniversary, we still, and always will, remember him with love.
Fran Salone-Pelletier
January 10, 2022
Anniversaries are times of remembrance and I remember Frank as if he were here in the room with me. In a way, he is. As my brother's dear friend, he became mine as well. I can hear his laugh, his quips-both silly and spot on! He has not disappeared from life nor will he. Today, I'll pray to him as he lives his eternal life and continues to share it with all of us. May his family find joy in his deep peace even as they experience sorrow in their loss.
Shalom, Fran
January 25, 2021
Carol so sorry for the loss of your brother...may he rest in peace .
Claire and Ray Howe
Frank Bausola
January 24, 2020
A very nice man. I hope he didn't suffer. Regards to Frank's family.
Frank Bausola
Ken & Linda Hotarek
January 24, 2020
Frank was a fun guy to be around. We will certainly miss his presence around the beach, won't be the same not seeing him walking, or at mbb functions. Though we did not know him well, his spirit will be a part of the gnb community forever.
January 23, 2020
My deepest sympathy Linda and family. Frank was a pleasure to talk to while I was delivering the mail. He will missed by all along his walking route. Fondly Jean Maynard
January 20, 2020
Our sincere condolences to all the Raffa family for the loss of Frank in this life. Our fondest memoryof him would be his infectious laugh at his own one liners. God bless you all
Gail and Tim Collins
Fran Cavallaro
January 19, 2020
To Linda,
I find it very difficult to find the words to describe how sad I am about your loss. Your whole family has been very special to me. I always loved spending time with You, Frank and the kids. I am having a months mind mass at my church on February 14th for Frank. Praying for the Raffa Family.
January 19, 2020
I don't quite know how to start this. I never thought of a world without Frank. I looked forward to seeing him at the beach, and laughing with Linda,Joe and Donna over nothing and everything. Frank had that mischievous way to keep us in good humor always.
Jimmy and I send our love to Linda, Stephanie, Gretchen and all the family. I feel certain that Frank made a difference in all our lives and will continue to do so. Here's to more martinis under the tree, Frank!
Paul and Judy Salone
January 18, 2020
Linda, Stephanie, Gretchen and Family... We are so very sorry for your loss. Frank was a very special guy and his wonderful spirit always shined so very brightly. Please know that you are all in our hearts and prayers.
Paul and Judy Salone
Melissa DePasquale
January 18, 2020
Thinking of you all during this time.
Frank was an amazing person full of life and love and will be greatly missed. I always loved hearing my Grampy (Frank's cousin) tell stories about their package store days, vacations, and how much they loved each other. Frank was such a joy to be around. Rest peacefully Frank
Fran Salone-Pelletier
January 17, 2020
Dear Linda and family,
It is with deeply saddened hearts that Jean and I send our heartfelt condolences upon hearing of Frank's death. I can hear his laughter echoing in my memories of Giant's Neck Heights and beach. His teasing temperament and loving compliments brought joy to our lives. No words are ever sufficient to describe love. It has to be experienced....and Frank both experienced it and shared it. Our prayers go with you...and we will find a martini tree in Shallotte and toast Frank's life, lived differently now.
Shalom,
Fran Salone-Pelletier and Jean Pelletier
Denise and Josh Zalaski
January 17, 2020
Dear Linda, Stefanie, and Gretchen,
We are so deeply sorry to have heard of Frank's passing. We learned of his illness from Uncle Joe just before Christmas and were shocked to hear the news. May he rest in peace and be free of any pain or discomfort. We fondly remember Frank's sense of humor and bubbly personality and we pray that the memories you hold dear help ease your pain and sorrow. We will continue to keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
With our very deepest condolences,
Denise and Josh Zalaski
Laurie Ranelli
January 17, 2020
I am so sorry to hear of Frank's passing. He was a wonderful part of the neighborhood.
Laurie
January 17, 2020
Linda,How I will miss this wonderful caring man and his happy attitude. He He was such a blessing to his family and everyone at Giants Neck Beach. God Bless you and your family at this difficult time .Rita Ravosa
Barbara Bernardi
January 17, 2020
Dear Lunda:
I was saddened to learn of Frank's passing. With his daily walks in and around GNB, he was clearly the self designated ambassador of goodwill to everyone he met along his route. We will all miss his friendly smile and his happy thoughts.
God bless Frank , you and your family during this difficult
period of mourning.
James Naughton
January 16, 2020
Dear Raffa family, I remember meeting Frank upon moving to East Hartford High my sophomore year. He was a friendly, good guy. I lived a few blocks from the package store and we reunited when I stopped in occasionally as we got older and also at our reunions. God bless Frank and all his family!
Jim Naughton Class 62
January 16, 2020
So sorry for your loss Linda and family. There was nothing I enjoyed more than bumping into Frank on his walks or when I went to the beach. He always looked out for us and trading one-liners was a summer tradition. We all will miss him.
Harry & Donna Cammeyer
January 16, 2020
Dear Raffa family, We only have fond memories of Frank from grade school on up. We all grew up in the same neighborhood and had lots of fun. May he
rest in peace.
Harry and Donna {Hughes} Cammeyer
Julie Clements-Reagan
January 16, 2020
Dear Linda,
My deepest of condolences on the passing of Frank. We shared many laughs and special times during our years at the Children's Museum. I will hold those memories close to my heart.
Sending you love, prayers, and peace.
Adrienne Dorau Dorsee
January 16, 2020
Dear Linda and family. So very sorry to hear of Frank's passing. Deepest condolences for you and all your family
Showing 1 - 24 of 24 results
Make a Donation
in Frank Raffa's name
Memorial Events
for Frank Raffa
How to support Frank's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
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 moreResources to help you cope with loss
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
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
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Frank Raffa's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
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
