John Rafferty Jr., age 64, of Orange, passed away on October 7, 2026

John P. Rafferty, Jr., 64 of Orange, passed away on October 7, 2026. Known to all as “Jack”, he was born on August 17, 1962 in New Haven, CT to John P. Rafferty and Margaret Rafferty. He was the beloved husband of 36 years to Elizabeth “Beth” Cliff-Rafferty.

Jack graduated from Lenape High School in Medford, New Jersey, with the Class of 1980 before earning his Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the University of Connecticut (UCONN). He went on to build a distinguished career as a Certified Public Accountant, dedicating more than 40 years to his profession and most recently serving as Chief Financial Officer for the Housing Authority of New Haven.

Jack’s adventurous spirit was evident in the story of how he met his beloved wife, Beth, aboard a Carnival cruise ship, just two hours into their journey together. It was love at first sight, and they married in 1990, going on to raise two beautiful daughters. A lifelong UConn sports fan, Jack could often be found proudly wearing his UConn memorabilia and attending games, frequently organizing outings with the lifelong friends he made during his college years. He was also a devoted Philadelphia sports fan and loved sharing his enthusiasm for the teams he cherished.

Jack lived life with determination, curiosity, and a sense of adventure. An avid bicyclist, he often rode 30 miles a day and enjoyed taking long solo biking trips, camping along the way. Most recently, he completed an incredible 200-mile journey through the Adirondack Mountains. He was rarely without a book in hand, especially mysteries, nonfiction, and autobiographies about people who overcame the odds or accomplished extraordinary feats. Jack was driven and headstrong, yet deeply loving, and took great pleasure in hosting family and friends for smoked meats and barbecues. He cherished his dogs, Daisy and Snowy, and loved taking them on long walks. Above all, Jack was an unwavering source of love and support for his wife and daughters, cheering them on in every accomplishment and always being there whenever they needed him. He treasured his role as a grandfather and was lovingly given the name “Grandpa Spike,” a title he wore with great pride.

In addition to his beloved wife Beth and his parents, Jack is survived by his daughters Kelli Rafferty (Sean Rosenberger), Caroline Rafferty, and granddaughter Sloane Rafferty Rosenberger. Siblings: Brendan Rafferty (Debbie) and Charles Rafferty (Wendy). As well as many additional nieces, nephews, family and friends. Jack is predeceased by his brother Matthew Rafferty, who welcomes him to heaven.

Family and friends are invited to calling hours from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 23, 2026, followed by a Memorial Service at 11:00 a.m. at Orange Congregational Church, 205 Meetinghouse Lane, Orange, CT 06477. A Celebration of Life will immediately follow at Racebrook Country Club, 246 Derby Ave., Orange, CT. Interment will be held privately by the family. In honor of Jack, we ask that you wear your best UCONN attire.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Red Cross – Connecticut Chapter online at redcross.org/local/connecticut or by honoring Jack’s legacy of blood and platelets donation by volunteering to be a donor as well. Additionally, donations can also be made in his name to the New England Donor Services online at neds.org/

To leave online condolences, please visit our website at www.codywhitefuneralservice.com