Robert J. "Bob" Rafka's Obituary
Robert J. “Bob” Rafka, 87, of Syracuse, passed away peacefully on July 30, 2019. He was born the son of the late John and Bertha (Gasiorowski) Rafka and served in the US Army during the Korean War. After the war, Bob worked 20 years for Allied Chemical before retiring from Niagara Mohawk after another 20 dedicated years. Bob was an accomplished fisherman; earning several awards throughout the years. He was an avid Syracuse basketball and NY Yankees fan and volunteered his time as an usher at Blessed Sacrament Church.
Bob is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Anne L. (Annesi) Rafka; a son, Dr. Robert J. (Barbara) Rafka; two granddaughters, Dr. Lauren (Olivier) Jansen and Amelia Rafka; a brother, John Rafka; a sister, Carolann Rafka; along with several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 3, 2019 at 9:30 am at the THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME, followed by a Funeral Mass in celebration of Bob’s life at 10:30 am in Blessed Sacrament Church. Entombment will take place in Woodlawn Cemetery. Family and friends may call from 5:00 – 8:00 pm on Friday, August 2, 2019 at THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME, 3401 Vickery Rd. (corner of Buckley Rd.) North Syracuse, NY.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at the Syracuse VA Medical Center and Elderwood Nursing Home 2nd floor, for their compassion and care; especially Debbie and Luty.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Bob’s name may be made to the ALS Association, Upstate New York Chapter, 135 Old Cove Road, Suite 213, Liverpool, NY 13090.
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