A funeral Mass was scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 19, at 11 a.m. at St. Gabriel Catholic Church, 29th and Dickinson streets, for former City Councilman Francis W. Rafferty, who died Sunday. He was 82.
Rafferty, of Grays Ferry, was a U.S. Army veteran who served in Council from 1976-91 as a very conservative at-large Democrat and had scraps with Lucien Blackwell in 1979 and John Street in 1981. He was also former president of the Grays Ferry Community Council and the St. Patrick’s Day Observance Association.
A viewing took place on Tuesday night and was scheduled to continue prior to Wednesday’s Mass at St. Gabe’s.
Rafferty is survived by his wife of 56 years, Patricia (nee Sullivan); children Francis W. Jr., Peter J. (Elena), Thomas F. (Alisa), Mary Pat (Pete) Tobola and Michael J. (Razel) Rafferty; 10 grandchildren and the late baby, Mary; siblings Patsy Zackey and Janet Hartigan and the late Edward Rafferty, Elizabeth Pelliciotti, Marie Gledhill and William Rafferty; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Councilman Brian O’Neill (R-10th dist) served with Rafferty. He said, “Councilman Franny Rafferty was a huge help to me and my district during our three terms together on Council. He understood and related to Northeast Philly and was always there for us. Fran worked tirelessly on constituent service and always supported our issues.”
A private interment will be held at Washington Crossing National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Our House Ministries, 1447 S. 29th St., Philadelphia, PA 19146. ••
