On October 25, 2025, Age 83. Of Sea Girt and formerly of Bay Head, Toms River and New Brunswick. Cherished and devoted son of the late John J. Rafferty, II (former NJ Supreme Court Justice and NJ Assemblyman) and Kathryn Rafferty (nee Kemp). Survived my many loving cousins and beloved friends. Predeceased by many aunts, uncles and cousins.
John was born in Bound Brook and raised in New Brunswick. He was a devout Roman Catholic who truly loved his faith and attended daily and Sunday Mass.
A few short days ago, John Rafferty made his way up to Heaven to meet his Dear Lord, parents and “Pups.” Sadly, we have lost John’s touch, but there is no question that he left his indelible mark on each of our hearts. Because we all agree, “To meet John Rafferty is to love him!”
If you knew him well, you would have felt his kindness, his generosity, his love of making new friends and most importantly his great love and devotion for His Lord and Blessed Mother.
You would also know John for his “sheepish” grin, his feisty persona, his incredible love for his 14 Boxer dogs, his Mercedes, Southern Comfort and of course, his dear parents.
In short, we were all honored to call John Rafferty “Friend.”
Rest In Peace, my dear friend! Love you, Sally
Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend John’s Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday, November 6, 2025 at 10 am at Saint Catharine and St. Margaret Parish: St. Catharine Church: 215 Essex Avenue, Spring Lake, NJ 07762. Inurnment to follow in the family plot with his beloved parents at Saint Catharine’s Cemetery, Sea Girt. There will be No visitation in church prior to Mass.
Family requests memorial donations in John’s name to the Saint Catharine and Saint Margaret Parish: 215 Essex Avenue, Spring Lake, NJ 07762. Please write in memo: John J. Rafferty, III
Condolences and Memories may be shared at www.mccannhealey.com under the obituary of John J. Rafferty, III.
Funeral Arrangements and Inquiries through: McCann – Healey Funeral Home: Gloucester City, NJ Ph: 856 – 456 – 1142
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