Robert Eugene Rafferty

ROBERT RAFFERTY, 78, of Hemet, California, passed away on July 14, 2016, at his home following a prolonged illness. He was born on November 7, 1937 in Chicago, Illinois, and was the son of the late Robert and Marie Rafferty. He was a devoted husband to his beloved wife Janine, who preceded him in death by three weeks. Her death was a devastating blow to him, and he never fully recovered. He was also a loving father to four sons. There was nothing he enjoyed more than spending time with them and their families. Robert spent his youth in Chicago and in St. Paul, Minnesota. He obtained his undergraduate and medical degrees at the University of Illinois. He first began practicing medicine as a general practitioner in the United States Public Health Service. One of the stories he liked to tell about his time in the Public Health Service was about his involvement in Dr. Martin Luther King's march on Washington in his capacity as a doctor. In 1969 he moved with his family to Hemet, following his residency in radiology in San Diego. He and his former professor, Jerome Golden M.D., joined together as Rafferty and Golden Radiology, which later became Hemet Valley Imaging. For many years it was the only radiology service in town. He retired in 1992 to spend more time with his family. He enjoyed golfing, playing tennis, spending time with his friends, and taking his kids and grandkids places. He often said that once the grandkids got out of diapers he could take them anywhere, and he did just that. Disneyland, Legoland, and Knott's Berry Farm were some of his favorite places to take them. He also enjoyed vacationing in Lake Tahoe with each of his sons and their families.

Surviving are his four sons, Bob Rafferty, Tom Rafferty (Kathy), Dan Rafferty (Jennifer) and Patrick Rafferty (Jennifer); sister Maryann Weiler of Indiana, grandchildren, Trevor, Sean, Allison, Kevin, Ryan, Ashlyn, Penelope, and Ella. Services will be private.