Obituary of Robert E. Rafferty

Age 90, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, September 1, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. Bob was born in Elmira, a son of George S. and Gladys (Evertts) Rafferty.  He was predeceased by his daughter Shelley L. Field; brother Richard Rafferty; sisters, Barbara McDermott, Norma Olin and Mary Masin.  Bob is survived by his wife of 69 years Genevieve May Rafferty; daughter and son-in-law Sherry M. and William Raymond of Elmira with their sons, William Jr., Scott (Stephanie) and Kevin (Ilissa) Raymond … son and daughter-in-law Robert E. Jr. and Laurie Rafferty of Kokomo IN with their children, Sarah (Tyson) Bontrager and Joseph (Katie) Rafferty …. son Randy D. Rafferty of Fishers IN with his sons, Joshua and Zachary …. Shelley’s sons, Matthew (Krissi) Field and Jason (Angela) Taylor; brother and sister-in-law George and Mary Rafferty; sister Beverly Berger; sisters-in-law, Marjorie Lauper, Emogene Walborn, Jacquelyn  Hults, Jeanette Good and Helen May; 14 great grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren. 

Bob was a US Marine Corps Korean War veteran.  He had been the long-time owner of Robert Rafferty Service Center.  Bob enjoyed playing card games and board games at home with his family.  He also enjoyed Monday night bingo at the Horseheads Elks.  Always proud of his Marine Corps service, Bob and been an active long-time member of the E. J. Brewer Detachment, Marine Corps League Military Honor Guard.  Family and friends are invited to attend Bob’s funeral service that will be held at Westside United Methodist Church, 743 West First St., Elmira, NY on Saturday, September. 9, 2023 at 11:00 a.m.  Military honors will follow outside of the church after services.  Those wishing may remember Bob with a donation to the E. J. Brewer Detachment MCL, P.O. Box 236, Horseheads NY  14845.