Obituary of Ronald L. Rafferty

Our beloved Ronald L. Rafferty, of Rochester, New York, was unexpectedly admitted to the Debakey VA Hospital in Houston, Texas, where he passed away peacefully on July 9, 2024, surrounded and held by loved ones. He was 34 years old.

Ron was born in Rochester on August 20, 1989. He graduated from Irondequoit High School, Class of 2007, and completed his Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Queen’s College in 2012. He was an Army combat veteran, having served in the 82nd Airborne Division, 307th Engineer Battalion and deployed overseas to Afghanistan.

Whether working at Disney, driving (or motorcycling) cross-country, biking in PNW, serving in the Army, reading to his niece and nephew, playing with his dog, or watching Instagram puppy videos with his partner, Ron’s passion for life, mischief, fun and adventure touched all who knew him. He cared for others deeply, unfailingly looked out for and protected those around him, was smart as a whip, stubborn as a mule, unswervingly loyal, and as all those fortunate to know him are aware, had his own distinct, special, inimitable brand of humor. Here’s to our Dr. Seuss-reading, Pixar-watching, Zelda-playing, soccer-following, gourmet-meal-cooking, geopolitics-analyzing, Lego-building, dog-loving, joke-cracking Ronny: A true original.

Ron is loved and missed by his loving partner, Alyssa White Rafferty; his parents, Ron and Barb Rafferty; sisters, Jen Rafferty and Kim Corson (Rafferty); brother, Nick Corson; niece, Sophie Corson and nephew, Jonah Corson, who miss their adored Uncle “Regular Ronny”; his beloved service dog (and surrogate son) Jax; and grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins who all loved him dearly.

Ron left us far too soon, but even in the midst of our sadness, he offers guidance. It was Ron’s profound belief that a loved one’s passing is an occasion not to mourn, but for friends and family to celebrate a life well-lived. Accordingly, we invite friends and family to join us for Ron’s sendoff and to celebrate Ron’s life and all the love, laughter, and adventure it contained.

Service, Reading, & Farewell for Ron will be held on Monday, July 22, 2024, at 1:00 PM at the Roger Robach Center in Ontario Beach Park (180 Beach Ave., Rochester, NY 14612) with refreshments, and celebration of Ron’s life to follow. Attire will be casual and colorful (no wearing black!).

For those able to attend the memorial, we ask that you please bring your favorite Ronny memories and stories, as well as any photos you may have that you can share with the family. If Ron has touched your life but you are unable to attend, we ask that you consider sharing your story, memory, or photos with the family via a post on Ronny’s facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ron.rafferty.7?mibextid=JRoKGi

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in honor of Ron (and his bond with Jax) to the Educated Canines Assisting with Disabilities (ECAD) Project Heal, which trains and matches service dogs with returning combat veterans: https://www.ecad1.org/index.php/programs-services/project-heal

To Give Online: www.ecad1.org/InHonorOfRon