John Joseph Rafferty

John Joseph “Jack” Rafferty, loving husband of Aileen for over 58 years and father to John Jr. and Thomas, died on May 23, at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. He was 84.

“Jack,” as he was known all his life, was born second child to John and Bea Rafferty, preceded by his sister, Patricia (Patty), followed by his brother Lawrence (Larry).

The family made their home in Sayville, Long Island, and Jack attended Seton Hall High School in Patchogue, where he excelled at whatever sport he tried, focusing on football, basketball, and baseball. His mother filled a large scrapbook with newspaper photos and clippings of Jack in action.

He held the Long Island high school basketball scoring record for many years.

He continued his studies and his athletic pursuits, first at Georgetown University, and then at St. Joseph’s University, from which he graduated in 1961. A U.S. Army veteran, having joined alongside his dear friend Charlie Sniffin, was honorably discharged a few years later.

But his athletic passions centered around football. He was a strong-armed quarterback who, after college, caught on with a semi-pro team and, as a result of his play there, earned a tryout with his beloved New York Giants.

Though he didn’t make the team, he never held it against the Maras, the Giants, or Charlie Conerly, the Giants starting quarterback at the time.

Remaining in the Philadelphia area after graduation, Jack began a career in radio advertising sales there that would eventually return him to New York, hired by CBS, the Tiffany Network, to join their television ad sales team.

Aileen and Jack were delighted when their first son John was born in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania in August 1965. His second beloved son Thomas was born in New York City, on 19th January 1975. A loving father to both his boys, he always followed their sporting progress closely, he never missed a game of his sons’, following their own busy athletic endeavors with a three-part mixture of pride, joy, and suggestion – even traveling to West Point sports camp to see Thomas’s games each night when they played. 

Jack was full of wit and loved telling stories. A man known for his easy charm, he excelled in the advertising business, as he enjoyed people. With his inexhaustible social skills, his willingness to entertain in any and all of Manhattan’s best night spots, and, most especially due to his unstinting competitiveness, Jack became the President of Advertising Sales at CBS.

It was quite a ride.

After he retired, he filled his time with a return to the sporting life. Golf, tennis, swimming, and, later, paddle tennis, became his more age-appropriate physical passions. 

Jack was a longtime member of the New York Athletic Club and the Westhampton Country Club and could often be found in the locker room of either one, ready to bend your ear about a birdie putt he made about which you had never inquired or one of his sons’ latest stellar sporting achievements. 

Jack leaves behind a tremendous family legacy: his loving wife of 58 years, Aileen; son Thomas, nephew Michael with wife Kathryn and kids Aidan (14) and Ryan (13); niece Kathleen with husband Brad and kids Owen (9) and Logan (4); niece Julie with husband Craig and kids Carlin (27), Blake (24), and Bailey (21); niece Michaela; niece Bonnie with sons Mark (26), Patrick (26) and Sean (23); nephew Mark; niece Maureen and husband Michael, with their four children Erin (26), Katie (26), Jenna (22) and Micheal Jr (18); niece Mary; nephew Patrick and wife Kimberly, sons Sean (18) and Logan (16), and niece Aileen. Jack's brother Larry passed in 2019 and his sister Patricia, and son John, both passed in 2003.

Jack was truly a special and decent man, and leaves a legacy of love. He inspired us all to be the best we can be. He was a legend and we will miss him dearly.

A funeral will be held on June 9 10:00 a.m., at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, 580 Main Street, Westhampton Beach, NY with a private burial to follow on June 9, 2023 at 11:15 a.m., at Westhampton Cemetery, Station Road, Westhampton, NY.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Holy Cross RC Church, 329 W. 42 Street, NY, NY 10036.

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