John J. Rafferty

John J. Rafferty (also known as Jack and Pop) 90, of Millerton, NY passed away peacefully with his family by his side on January 22, 2025 at Middlesex Hospital Middletown, CT after a short illness. He was born on September 22, 1934 in Queens, New York, the son of Patrick and Rita (Haverty) Rafferty. 

He entered the United States Navy from 1951-1955 during the Korean Conflict and served aboard the destroyers USS Robert A. Owens and the USS Leary as a Hospital Corpsman. After leaving the Navy with an honorable discharge, he returned home to Sunnyside Queens, New York and worked many years at Con Edison and later entered the school system where he retired as head custodian for Elementary School #6 in Lawrence, New York. Jack moved to Hillsdale, NY upon retiring and served multiple terms as Senior and Vice Commander for the VFW-Veterans of Foreign Wars for the Copake Falls and Hillsdale Posts. 

His favorite pastime was spending time with his family. Jack was an avid reader who loved suspense and crime novels. He had a love for the Arts (opera, classical music and the ballet.) He enjoyed watching PTI (Pardon The Interruption), Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune and Blue Bloods along with taking many walks on the Harlem Valley Rail Trail. He will always be remembered for his infectious smile and bright blue eyes. He made friends wherever he went and loved talking to people and wishing everyone a great day.

Jack is survived by his four children, Laura (Mike) Benko, John (Patricia) Rafferty, Lynda (Frank) Rivas and Joseph (Bonnie) Rafferty. His seven grandchildren, Danielle (Edward) Benko-Aguallo, Nicole (Matt) Otte, Michael (Gabriela) Benko, Erin (Drew) Matsen, Frank (Allison Francis) Rivas, Alexandria (Chris Isaacs) Rivas and Patrick (Lari Arasin) Rafferty and his seven great-grandchildren, Paxton, Remy, Kaia, Madelyn, Molly, Nora and Mica. He is also survived by his brother Gerald Rafferty. In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his wife Dorothy who he often referred to as his Dotty. 

A time for sharing memories and offering condolences will be from 3:00 to 7:00pm on Friday, January 31, 2025 at Peck & Peck Funeral Homes, 8063 Route 22, Copake. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Fr. George Brennan on Saturday, at 11:00am from Our Lady of Hope Parish Route 22, Copake Falls. Interment with military honors will follow in St. Bridget's Cemetery. 

For those who are unable to attend the funeral service in person you are welcome to watch it live using this link. Meeting ID: 850 334 8159 Passcode: olhmg 

In lieu of flowers, donations in John’s name may be made to the Hillsdale VFW Post 7552, PO Box 10, Hillsdale, NY 12529 or to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.