Robert Rafferty

Rafferty, Robert 6/13/1936 - 11/15/2016 Portsmouth, RI Robert "Bob" Bruce Rafferty, of Portsmouth, RI passed away peacefully November 15, 2016 at the age of 80. Robert was born June 13, 1936 to John and Lorena (Adelman) Rafferty in Kalamazoo, MI. He graduated from Schoolcraft High School and served in the US Navy immediately following, receiving an honorable discharge in 1958. He received multiple medals including a National Defense Service Medal and the China Service Medal. After his service in the Navy he attended Michigan Technological University where he earned a bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering. Following college, he moved to Portsmouth RI where he was employed by Raytheon, later working for them in Sudbury, MA. On April 27, 1963 he married Judith Marie White of Middletown, RI. He continued his education and earned Master's degrees in Physics and Mathematics from Northeastern University. Bob retired in the mid 90's from Raytheon and he and Judy returned to Michigan where they lived for 15 years before finally settling in Portsmouth. Starting with his time in the Navy and throughout his life, Bob traveled the world, visiting Europe, Africa, Asia and later many parts of the US. Bob enjoyed golfing, bird watching, nature walks, puzzles of all kinds, watching sports and spending time with family and friends. Robert is survived by his wife, Judith, children Colleen Joyce and husband Robert of Evergreen CO; Robert Bruce Rafferty II and wife Julie of Cohasset, MA; and Stuart Rafferty and wife Megan of Manchester, CT. He leaves seven grandchildren: Ian, Connor, Chloe, Emmy, Noah, Jesse, Ryan; a brother Richard Rafferty and wife Nancy of Schoolcraft, MI, brother-in-law Robert White and wife, Colette Dalpe of Middletown, RI and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings John, Paul, and Kathleen. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Compassionate Care Hospice Foundation, Inc., 248 E. Chestnut Hill Road, Suite 4, Newark, DE 19713 or via their website.