Obituary of Timothy J. Rafter

Timothy J. “Tim” Rafter, 67, beloved husband for 38 years to the Honorable Diane M. Bluteau Rafter, Esq., peacefully entered into eternal life at home on Monday, January 23, 2023.

Born in Troy, NY, he was the son of the late Honorable Joseph B. and Veroncia R. Stewart Rafter, Esq. and was a graduate of Lansingburgh High School and Hudson Valley Community College, where he earned his Associates Degree.

Tim served in the United States Coast Guard from 1980 to 1987 and was awarded the .45 Caliber Pistol Marksmanship Ribbon, a First and a Second Good Conduct Medal, the Sea Service Ribbon, the Unit Commendation Ribbon as well as his Honorable Discharge.

Mr. Rafter had been employed as a Group Leader by the Army Corps of Engineers at the Troy Lock and Dam, was previously employed at the NYS Canal Corporation and was self-employed as a Master Electrician, owning and operating, Tim Rafter Electric in Troy.

Tim was Past President of the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge #1332 in Cohoes, the Cohoes Rod & Gun Club, a member of the American Legion Mohawk Post #1450 in Halfmoon, the All-Troy Athletic Club (ATAC), the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #3773, the Veterans of Lansingburgh and was a communicant of St. Augustine’s Church, all in Lansingburgh.

Beloved husband of Diane, loving brother of Shawn Rafter, Dawn Rafter Lennen, the late Colleen R. Rafter, Esq., the late Joseph B. Rafter and the late Kevin Rafter, dear Godfather and Uncle of Kristine Fernandez, also survived by several nieces and nephews and their families.

Relatives and friends are invited to visitation on Thursday, February 2, 2023 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the John J. Sanvidge Funeral Home, Inc., 565 Fourth Avenue (Corner of 115^th Street in Lansingburgh), Troy, NY 12182  and to Tim’s Mass of Christian Burial that day at 12 Noon at St. Augustine’s Church in Lansingburgh.

Following the Mass, his interment with full military honors will be held at 2:00 p.m. at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Rd., Schuylerville, NY 12871.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or on-line at https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html or to the  Shriner’s Children Hospital of New England, 516 Carew St., Springfield, MA 01104 or on-line at https://www.shrinerschildrens.org/en/locations/new-england in memory of Timothy J. Rafter.

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