Michael Rafferty

Michael Rafferty

Bill Cosby once noted that humor can soften even the worst blows that life delivers. Michael was no stranger to this logic. With a seemingly endless supply of jokes and quips he could bring laughter to any situation. No stranger to being social he was a member of the Riverside Senior Citizens’ Assn., the PGW Retirees Assn., the American Legion, volunteered at Zurbrugg Hospital for many years, won several championships with his bowling team and could often be found on the golf course. Having perfected his skills with a trumpet while serving with the army during WWII and Korea, Michael played with the Buddy Winters band for 24 years. And when not on stage, he could often be found square dancing with his wife, Dorothy. rnIn the early 1950s, a woman named Ruth introduced Michael to her sister, Dorothy (nee Toner). They were married for 57 years before her passing in 2006. He is also survived by his children: David (Catherine) of GA, William (Diane) of AZ and Nancy Effinger of Riverside as well as 7 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren and his sister Elizabeth.rnCome celebrate 85 great years Saturday at Noon at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery, Cheltenhamrn

4 Comments

  1. Ginger & Chester Mankowski says:

    We did not know Michael; however, we understand how the loss of your Father, Grandfather, best friend seems to consume your thoughts. Surely he stands beside Jesus, now fully understanding God’s mysterious ways. We are sending this poem to help relieve some sorrow.rn”In Loving Memory:rnHome At Last!rnI?m home at last my loved ones,rnWith my Father in the sky;rnHe called my name so sweetly,rnHe called me home on high.rnMy time on earth was precious,rnTruly blessed with all your love;rnThose times are now your memories,rnAs I watch you from above.rnNo longer do I walk in pain,rnOr feel such agony;rnMy weakness has become my strength,rnHome at last, I?m finally free.rnI?ve served my time and paid my dues,rnAccording to Gods plan;rnEternal peace He’s granted me,rnNow I?m sitting at Gods right hand.rnDon’t cry for me in sorrow,rnFor my life is better now;rnMy frail body has been restored,rnI?m riding on the clouds.rnYou’re always in my heart,rnWith good times that have passed;rnBut praise the Lord in Heaven,rnI?m finally home at last!”rnBoth your Mother and Father will watch over you forever.rn

  2. Matthew M. Welch says:

    David, Bill and Nancy,rnI’m so sorry to hear about Mr. Rafferty’s passing. He was always very kind to me while I was growing up. He was a fine man, a good neighbor and a real gentleman. I could never thank him enough for him and Joe Borger mowing my mom’s lawn after my dad passed away. I’ll remember him in my prayers.rnregards,rnMatt Welch

  3. suzanne allen says:

    It was such a pleasure to know Mike and Dot. When they joined with Ann and Frank Cannon to establish A’n’D Travel in Palmyra I am happy to say I helped them in the early stages of that agencies develoment. We attended trade shows, booked Alaska cruise trips and made it through many travel related down turns. rnThose good times are gone but the memories live on!!!rnSuzanne Harmon-Allen

  4. Nancy Effinger says:

    Dad,nAlthough we were estranged for the last year of your life…know that I always and will always love you and remember all the laughs over the years. I have so many fun memories and I know you made a lot of people laugh in your lifetime. I love you Dad and someday we’ll be together again!