Romolo L Raffa

Romolo L. Raffa, 85, of Peabody passed away Wednesday, July 1st 2009 with his daughter by his side. Romolo's wife Hannah (Sherman) Raffa passed away in 2005. His second wife Joan (Brown) Raffa passed away in 199_, and his 1st wife, Marjorie J. (Porton) Raffa passed away in 1978. He is survived by a son, Mark S. Raffa of Bedford; a daughter Leigh Meryl Attridge, her husband James F. Attridge and their son Jeffrey, all of Beverly; his stepchildren, Eric Brown, his wife Jennifer and their children, Alec and Jessica Brown of Sharon; Elspbeth Cameron her husband Brian and their sons, William and Andrew Cameron all of Brockton; many nieces and nephews. Three brothers, Phillip, Guido, and Victor Raffa, and Connie Andresano and Josephine Raffa all predeceased him. He was born in Worcester, Massachusetts, one of six children born to Frank and Mary (Cirella) Raffa. Romolo graduated from Commerce High School, entered the U.S. Army and served his country during World War II, earning the Purple Heart Medal for wounds suffered in battle. He then returned home to earn his Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Clark University in 1949 and lived most of his life in Acton, Groton, Billerica, Sharon and Peabody. Romolo worked for Mitre Corporation and other defense industry contractors as a systems analyst and human factors specialist and for the U.S. Air Force as a civilian Radar Systems Engineer before retiring. Romolo loved restoring antique furniture, classical music, especially Opera, and Travel. He notably traveled to Europe and in retirement embarked with his wife Joan on a three month tour of the TransCanada highway from Montreal to the West Canadian Coast and across the United Sates returning home. He was a talented poet and writer whose work was enjoyed by all his family and friends. His infectious smile and sense of humor made him the center of a good party. He will be missed by all. At Romolo's request there are no funeral services. He will be laid to rest next to his wife in Hope Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Hospice of North Shore, 75 Sylvan Street, Suite B-102, Danvers, MA 01923. The MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St is honored to assist the family with arrangements.