Michael Francis Rafferty

Michael Francis Rafferty, passed away October 9, 2015. He was born February 26, 1947 in Columbus, OH. Michael graduated from St. Charles Preparatory School in Columbus, OH. He then served with the U.S. Air Force and was stationed in South Korea. Subsequently he earned his B.S. Degree in Electrical Engineering from The Ohio State University and a MSEE degree from New Jersey Institute of Technology. He was a utility management consultant for nearly 40 years. His career provided the opportunity to travel the world where he met people from many different countries, cultures and religious beliefs. He spent five years working for the Saudi Development Fund in Riyadh for which he received a Certificate of Merit from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1983. Michael lived in the Jacksonville area for 20 years where he was deeply involved in the community. He was a Scout Master for Troop 287 for 10 years. He was a founding member of the Knights of Columbus at San Juan Del Rio Catholic Church and at the time of his passing was the executive financial secretary, appointed by the Supreme Council. Music was his passion and he enjoyed being a member of the church choir for nearly two decades and as a parent he was very active in the Bartram Trail High School Band. He touched the lives of many others though his involvement in numerous church ministries. Michael was an inspiration to all who knew him. He lived a life of service with commitment and was firmly grounded in his Catholic faith traditions. Michael sported a broad smile and sparkling eyes with a quick, dry Irish humor. He was preceded in death by his parents Lucille (Champagne) and John Bernard Rafferty. He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Jane (Wensink) Rafferty and sons Ryan Michael, Kyle Bernard and Connor Bernard. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to San Juan Del Rio Catholic Church Building Fund, 1718 State Road 13, North Saint Johns, FL 32259; Knights of Columbus Council 12664- Michael Rafferty Fund, 1718 State Road 13, North Saint Johns, FL 32259; or Boy Scout Troop 287 c/o Jeff Raynor, 1558 Beluthahatchee Road, Saint Johns, FL 32259. The Memorial Mass to celebrate his life will be held October 31 at 10:00am at San Juan Del Rio Catholic Church. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home of Mandarin, 11801 San Jose Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32223 www.hgmandarin.com (904) 288-0025