Raymond H. “Ray” Rafferty

Raymond H. “Ray” Rafferty, 86, of Johnstown, died Wednesday, January 26, 2022, at Arbutus Park Manor, surrounded in love by family.  

Ray had been a beloved brother, husband, father, uncle, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He will be greatly missed, but those who miss him are comforted by the fact that he lived a full, faithful, and impactful life and has now joined his beloved wife, Peggy.  Everyone describes him as sweet, creative, and family loving.   Ray truly followed his family and extended family and rooted them through life’s events providing unconditional love and comforting guidance.  He was an artist and shared his art with family and made lifelong friends who shared his creative interests.  

Ray was preceded in death by the love of his life, Peggy.  They met at the former Johnstown Catholic High School, and they spent their lives raising their children together, enjoying their grandchildren and great grandchildren and the many friends they made over the years.  Ray was with Peggy at Arbutus Park Manor where they remained a strong team through life's later challenges.  He supported Peggy to the end with care and unending love. 

Ray worked for years as a postal carrier at the US Post Office, retiring in 1992.  While there he took classes at the University of Pittsburgh and was promoted to the Finance Department as Manager of Information Services where he was instrumental in installing initial computer applications for the Finance Department across multiple postal locations.  He also was Treasurer for the GAP Federal Credit Union there until retiring from that part time role in 2000.  Ray had a unique mix of mathematical and artistic skills and interests which helped him connect with many different people over the years as well as help others with school mathematics or art interests. 

Ray was born April 28, 1935, in Johnstown, son of James and Ethel Rafferty.  In addition to his wife Peggy, he was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, James Rafferty.  He is survived by his loving children, Kathy Osinski (Michael), Mary Hanley (Charles), Joann Wilson (John), Colleen Brozetti (John J.) and Raymond J. Rafferty (Ann); his nephew, Dan Krill (Kim) as well as numerous nieces and nephews and grandnieces and nephews.  Ray was very close to his 15 grandchildren, and they loved him dearly: Anna Osinski, Peter Osinski, and John Osinski (Elizabeth), Donald Hanley (Taja), Erin Raubenstine (Adam), Patrick Hanley (Krista), Ryan Wilson (Trista), Greg Wilson, Kristen Wilson, Bridget Pamphilis (Shane), Justin Brozzetti (Annemarie), Chris Brozetti, James, Sean, and Molly Rafferty.  He loved to hear updates about his great-grandchildren, Tyler Goodman, Owen and Della Hanley, Colin, Kyle, and Caroline Raubenstine, Landon, Sopheria, Maverick, Oliver, Memphis and Genesis Wilson, Evelyn Pamphilis, and Emile and Jules Brozzetti.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ray Rafferty's name to the Angel Fund of Arbutus Park Manor, 207 Ottawa St., Johnstown, PA 15904 or to the Community Arts Center of Cambria County, 1217 Menoher Blvd, Johnstown, PA 15905.

Friends and family are invited to attend a Mass of Christian burial at 11:00 AM on Saturday, February 12, 2022, at Our Mother of Sorrows Church, Tioga Street, Westmont. Entombment, Grandview Mausoleum.

Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Frank Duca Funeral Home, Westmont Chapel, 1622 Menoher Blvd., Johnstown, PA 15905.

Condolences may be sent through www.ducafuneralhome.com.

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