Bernard “Bernie” James Rafferty of Clarksville, Maryland passed away on Wednesday, September 13, 2023. Born on August 9, 1957 in Washington, DC, he was the son of the late Henry Thomas Rafferty and the late Elizabeth Gertrude O’Hare. He was the beloved husband to Mary Riley Rafferty for 45 years.
He attended Archbishop Carroll High School in Washington, DC and graduated in 1975. He received his Bachelors of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Maryland, College Park in 1979. Bernie retired after a career as a civil engineer and real estate developer.
Bernie is survived by his wife, Mary; his daughters Jessica and Maeve; his son-in-laws Eric and Matthew; his four grandchildren William, Amos James, Julian and Ivy Marie; his sisters Joan (Chip), Cathy, and Colleen (Harry); his brother Michael (Eloy); and sister-in-laws, brother-in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
His passion for his family was undeniable and his hospitable presence made everyone feel loved, known, and deeply cared for. He enjoyed the simple pleasures of life: live music, working in the garden, a glass of whiskey, theater, a grandchild’s recital, and grotto pizza by the ocean. He enjoyed travel and could always find a good excuse to hop over to his parent’s homeland in Ireland. Bernie was generous, humble, and kind.
A Mass will be held on Tuesday, September 26, 2023 at 11:00 am at St. Francis of Assisi, 8300 Old Columbia Road, Fulton, MD 20759. We hope you'll join us for a Celebration of Life after the Mass on Tuesday, September 26, 2023 from 12:15 pm to 4:00 pm at Ten Oaks Ballroom, 5000 Signal Bell Lane, Clarksville, MD 21029 for a time of fellowship and remembrance.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in memory of Bernie to The Team Drea Foundation which supports bold, innovative research to find a cure or effective treatment for ALS. Bernie did not have ALS, but was deeply inspired by the Founder’s story and her determination to live, love and hope. He was looking forward to seeing her new documentary. https://www.teamdrea.org/donate/
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.witzkefuneralhomes.com for the Rafferty family.
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