George T. Rafferty

George T. Rafferty, 89, of Washington Ridge Road, New Milford, formerly of Danbury, devoted husband of Virginia (Pooler) Rafferty, died on April 28 at Candlewood Valley Health Care Center. He was born in Sandy Hook, Newtown, on August 9, 1914, son of the late Thomas J. and Cecilia (Murray) Rafferty.

Mr Rafferty was a hatter in the Danbury area for more than 55 years. He owned and operated Rafferty Hats, and was later vice president of Mallory Stetson Hat Company. He was recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from Traveling Hat Salesmen of America, which honored him at the Tavern on the Green in New York City. He also obtained several patents in the hatting industry.

Besides his wife of 68 years, he is survived by his son, Donald G. Rafferty and his wife Judy, with whom he made his home in New Milford; his daughter, Patricia Brown and her husband John Zaborowski of Danbury; his grandchildren, Kevin Rafferty, Keith Rafferty and his wife Jane; Kristen McGee and her husband Edward, Jennifer and Mary Beth Brown, and Caitlyn Zaborowski; and six great-grandchildren, Collin, Kayleigh, Nicole, and Emily Rafferty, and Shaye and Shawn McGee. He is also survived by a sister, Anita Patuzzi of Marion, Ind.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated May 1 at St Peter Church, Danbury. Burial followed in St Peter Cemetery. The Cornell Memorial Home, 247 White Street, Danbury, is in charge of arrangements.

Memorial contributions in the memory of George Rafferty may be made to the Collin Rafferty Special Needs Fund in care of Patty Brown, 1 Eustis Road, Danbury CT 06811.

The Newtown Bee        May 7, 2004