Joseph Michael Rafferty died peacefully at home Jan. 7, 2025. He was born Oct. 22, 1935, to Michael and Elizabeth Rafferty in Brooklyn, New York. He graduated from St. John’s University and served as a captain in the U.S. Marine Corps.
Joe met the love of his life, Marilyn Maloney, when they were 16 years old. They were married in 1958 and resided in Brooklyn and Long Beach, New York, before settling in Fair Haven, where they raised their children. Joe and Marilyn enjoyed traveling throughout the United States and Europe with family and friends – a Rafferty family trip to Ireland in 2000 being a highlight. After retirement, they traveled across the country, visiting their children and grandchildren. They were married for 54 years until Marilyn’s death in 2013.
Joe had a distinguished career with JC Penney Co. both in Manhattan and Dallas, Texas. He was an avid sports fan, supporting the Brooklyn Dodgers until Oct. 23, 1957. He later switched his allegiance to the New York Mets and the Texas Rangers. He was a New York Giants fan from the Polo Grounds to Giants Stadium, where he was a season ticket holder for many years. His basketball allegiance was always with St. John’s University. He enjoyed many summers at Surfrider Beach Club, playing golf and tennis and having conversations with his nine grandchildren.
Joe was predeceased by his parents, his wife Marilyn, his sister Arlene and brother-in-law Charlie. He is survived by his loving children, Rod (Eileen), Steve (Lisa), Mariclare, Tricia (Peter) and Kate. He is also survived by his devoted grandchildren, Shawn (Hilary), Patrick, Shannon (Ryan), Megan, Molly, Conor, Evan, Brennan and Allison and his adoring great-grandsons Dylan and Charlie.
The family is grateful to the doctors, nurses and staff of Memorial Sloan Kettering and to the wonderful community of St. Leo the Great who were always supportive and welcoming. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to Meals on Wheels at mealsonwheelsamerica.org, a charity supported by both Joe and Marilyn, or to a charity important to you.
Visitation was held Jan. 12 at Thompson Memorial Home, Red Bank. A Mass of Christian Burial was held Jan. 13 at St. Leo the Great Church in Lincroft. Military honors will be presented after Mass. Interment will be private.
The article originally appeared in the January 30 – February 6, 2025 print edition of The Two River Times.
