Obituary of George T. Rafferty

George T. Rafferty August 09, 1914 - April 28, 2004 George T. Rafferty, 89, of Washington Ridge Road, New Milford, formerly of Danbury, devoted husband of Virginia (Pooler) Rafferty, died on Wednesday, April 28th 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 fifty-five years. He owned and operated Rafferty Hats, and was later vice president of Mallory Stetson Hat Company. He was a 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, Virginia, 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, Shaye and Shawn McGee. He is also survived by a sister, Anita Patuzzi of Marion Indiana. Funeral Information A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, May 1st at St. Peter Church, Danbury, at 11:30am. Burial will follow in St. Peter Cemetery. There are no calling hours. The Cornell Memorial Home, 247 White Street, Danbury, is in charge of arrangements. Donations Information 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.