E.J. Rafferty

E.J. "Jim" Rafferty, age 87, a 50-year resident of Royal Oak, formerly of Detroit, died September 19, 2012 at his home. He was born July 24, 1925 in Galt, Ontario, Canada to the late James Patrick and Florence nee Howes Rafferty. Mr. Rafferty attended Visitation School and was a 1944 graduate of Catholic Central. He received his bachelors from the University of Detroit and master's from Oakland University. He was a proud veteran who served in the U.S. Navy from 1944-1946. He was a fifth grade teacher at Schoenhals Elementary School in Madison Heights from 1967-1993. He was also the past president of the St. Andrews Society in 1971. The beloved husband of Patricia K. Rafferty, the couple married July 5, 1947 at Blessed Sacrament Cathedral in Detroit. Loving father of Mary Anne Rafferty, Dennis Michael Rafferty and Rev. James Robert Rafferty. Dear brother of Marguerite the late Norman Pollock and the late Jerome Rafferty. The visitation will be Friday 2-8 p.m. with a 7 p.m. Rosary at the Wm. Sullivan & Son Funeral Home, 705 W Eleven Mile Road 4 blocks E of Woodward, Royal Oak. Mr. Rafferty will lie in state Saturday 10:30 a.m. until the time of Mass 11 a.m. at St. Mary of the Annunciation, 32477 Church Street, Rockwood, MI, with his son, the Rev. James Rafferty officiating. Burial with military honors will be Monday 10:30 a.m. at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly. Memorials to the Leader Dogs for the Blind are appreciated. Share your memories at www.sullivanfuneraldirectors.com.