Stephen M. Rafferty

Stephen M. Rafferty, 61, of Auburn, a retired Assistant Deputy Superintendent for the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office, passed away in the comfort of his home on Saturday, March 20, 2021.

Stephen is survived by Vanessa Keddy, his best friend and wife, her children, Ryan and his companion Tara Molinari, and Shane and his fiancé, Courtney Sturgis; two children, Zachary and Hailey Rafferty; his siblings, Carrie Robertson and husband Ronald of Boynton Beach, Florida, Christine Anderson of Plymouth, and Colleen Stowell of Whitinsville; several brothers and sisters in law along with many nieces and nephews; and his best friends, Mike and Ginny Benoit, Kevin and Tracy Greene, and Sal and Carol Degon.  He is predeceased by his parents. Arthur and Eileen Rafferty, and by an older brother, Michael Rafferty.

Steve “Raff” worked for the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office, for twenty-seven years, retiring as Assistant Deputy Superintendent; he was well respected by his peers and the inmates. He also worked for Quinn’s Landscaping for a few years. His last job was at New England Carpenter’s Union in Millbury, before retiring due to illness. Raff was also well known and liked as a bartender at Ralph’s Tavern on Shrewsbury Street. There were many “drink ‘em up” last calls.

Watching and coaching his children’s sports activities was his greatest joy. He was an avid sports fan, especially the love for his Yankees. Raff was the President and coach of the Worcester Cowboys and Tom Ash Little League for several years. He also was a basketball coach and umpire of baseball and football games. When he wasn’t coaching, Raff enjoyed spending time with his friends and family at his trailer in Old Orchard Beach, Maine. He loved taking trips down the ocean, playing cards, and ending the night drinking Coors Lights by the campfire. 

Raff always considered everyone he met a “great guy”, but truly, he was the epitome of a “great guy”. He was a great father, friend, and colleague. He will be sadly missed by everyone.

Vanessa would like to personally thank his buddies from the Worcester County Sheriff’s Department, the New England Carpenter’s Union, and of course, his friends at Ralph’s Tavern for all the love and support given to him throughout the years. She would also like to thank her friends and family at UMass Dermatology for their support during Steve’s illness and is grateful to Fairlawn Rehabilitation Center for their care.

Calling Hours will be on Tuesday, March 23, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. in MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester.  Funeral Services will be held privately.

Social Distancing protocols and the use of face masks will be practiced at the funeral home.