Arthur O. Rafferty

MILLBURY-Arthur O. Rafferty, 76, formerly of Worcester, passed away peacefully Thursday, October 2 at home surrounded by his loving family.

His wife, Eileen T. (Flynn) Rafferty passed away in 1999. He leaves four children, Colleen M. and her husband, Brian Stowell of Millbury with whom he lived with, Stephen M. Rafferty of Worcester, Caron A. and her husband, Ronald Robertson of Sharon and Christine M. and her husband, Richard Anderson of Worcester. His son, Michael P. Rafferty passed away in June. He leaves nine grandchildren. His granddaughter Ashley Anderson passed away in 1999. He also leaves two brothers, Raymond Rafferty of Worcester and Richard Rafferty of Sutton; three sisters, Mary Attella of West Boylston, Sarah Erricola of Worcester and Barbara Jacques of Worcester and many, many nieces and nephews. He is also predeceased by three brothers, Owen, James and Edward Rafferty, two sisters, Anna Sarasin and Rita Lavallee.

He was born in Worcester the son of James M. and Anna M. (McKinney) Rafferty. He was a Korean War Army Veteran. Mr. Rafferty was a construction worker before becoming a Worcester Firefighter for 11 years retiring in 1979. He also was co-owner of Rafferty's Tavern, Y-D Liquor Store and JAB Precision Tool. After retiring, Mr. Rafferty worked part time at The Massachusetts State Lottery and Laidlaw Transportation. He was a member of The Vernon Hill American Legion Post 435 and The Firefighter Relief Association. He loved spending time with his family, especially with his grandchildren.

The funeral will be Monday, October 6 from CALLAHAN & FAY BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 61 Myrtle St. with a Mass at 11:00 AM at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 1290 Grafton St., Worcester. Interment will be in St. John's cemetery. Visiting hours will be Sunday, October 5 from 5:00 until 8:00 PM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701. For directions and online guestbook please visit www.callahanfay.com.