James William Raftery's Obituary
James William Raftery, age 92, of Elyria, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 9, 2019 with his family by his side.
He was born March 19, 1927 in Cleveland, son of the late Francis and Elizabeth (nee Bremser) Raftery. James was a 32nd Degree Mason, of the Temple Lodge, formerly George A. Holly Lodge in Willoughby. He was a Shriner and member of the Scottish Right. James loved traveling and vacationing with his wife and they often found new places to go camping. James and Joyce lived in Punta Gorda, FL for 20 years, most of which was at Eagle Point Mobile Home Park. He loved gardening and was an avid animal lover. James was a proud bagpiper and loved music. He couldn’t read music but could whistle, play harmonica or the piano all by ear. He will be greatly missed by his beloved cat, Baby.
Devoted husband of nearly 74 years to Joyce Raftery (nee Champegny); cherished father of Kathleen (David) Churchill, Kenneth W. Raftery, and Linda (Frank) Krupka; beloved grandfather of Donald (Michelle) Churchill, Karen Dertinger, Christina Raftery, Theresa (Roger) Tillotson, Daniel (Carrie) Raftery, Jennifer (Andrew) Hohman, Frank (Donna) Krupka, James (Sarah) Krupka, Elizabeth (Jason) Branco, and Kathryn (Tony) Dean; loving great grandfather of 24; dear great great grandfather of one; caring brother of Richard Raftery; brother-in-law of Robert (Roberta) Bryant.
He is preceded in death by his parents and four siblings.
Memorial visitation will take place on Friday, September 13, 2019 from 12NOON – 2PM in the Sunset Chapel, 6245 Columbia Rd., North Olmsted, OH 44070 where memorial service will commence at 2PM. Inurnment immediately following in Sunset Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in James’ name are suggested to Hospice of the Western Reserve, P.O. Box 72101, Cleveland, OH 44192, Friendship Animal Protective League, 8303 Murray Ridge Rd., Elyria, OH 44035, or Shriners Hospital, 3551 N Broad St., Philadelphia, PA 19140.
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