John J. Rafacz
February 5, 1919 ~ October 5, 2011
John J. Rafacz, 92, of Weirton, passed away Wednesday, October 5, 2011 at his home. Born February 5, 1919 in Buffington, PA, he was a son of the late Joseph and Bernice Rosinski Rafacz. He was also preceded in death by his brothers Joe and Frank Rafacz and son Thomas Rafacz, sisters Genevieve Gaich, Sister M. Armella and Helen Germundsen.
During his 25 years of employment with Weirton Steel, John also worked 30 years with the Home Furniture Company, where he served as a serviceman. He was a member of Sacred Heart of Mary Roman Catholic Church, Holy Name Society, WSX 25-Year Club, Polish Roman Catholic Union and the American Bowling Congress. He was a life member of the VFW 2716 and American Legion in Chester, WV. Mr. Rafacz served in the US Army during World War II.
John is survived by his wife Sophia B. Delekta Rafacz of Weirton, whom he married August 23, 1947; sons Robert Rafacz of Jacksonville, FL and Ted Rafacz of Weirton; daughters Teresa Muldrew of Orange Park, FL, Christine Calkins and her husband Curt of Tampa, FL and Karen Garito and her husband Leroy of Warren, OH; sister Sandy Wolski of Naples, FL; 6 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Friends will be received Sunday from 4-8PM at the Greco-Hertnick Funeral Home, 3219 Main Street, Weirton. Funeral Liturgy with Mass will be celebrated 10AM Monday at Sacred Heart of Mary Roman Catholic Church. Father Dean Borgmeyer will officiate. Entombment will be in St. Paul Cemetery, Weirton, where military services will be conducted by the American Legion Firing Squad.
Memorial contributions may be made to Sacred Heart of Mary Roman Catholic Church, Post Office Box 2247, Weirton, WV 26062 and Valley Hospice, 10686 State Route 150, Rayland, OH 43943.
Cousin Sophie, Terry, Bob, Teddy & Karen: Cousin John is resting now in the arms of the Lord and at great peace. It was a nice visit we had with cousin John and cousin Sophie two weeks ago. Our prayers are with all of you at this time Cousins< Carl & Vicki
Uncle John was always full of life, a constant smile and the life of the party. We will miss his laugh and that great yelp that he patented doing the polka. Love and memories, Uncle John.
Sophie & Family: We were so sorry to hear of John’s passing. I have wonderful memories of him and he has a special place in my heart. I was looking through old pictures the other day and found one with Savanna and John, yet John had kitty ears on. I remember when we took that picture vividly. My thoughts are prayers are with you all. I know Tom greeted him at the gates.
Dear Sophie and Family. Pat called this morning to tell us of John’s passing. Bill and I are so sorry to hear of your loss. We know that all of you loved him and will miss him greatly, as will your friends. I know that we enjoyed the too few times that we spent with him. God’s blessings to all of you. Barbara
Dear Mrs. Rafacz and Family: I was saddened to see that Mr. Rafacz has passed, he was a good man, and I know he will be missed. I have many fond memories of all of you, espcially when we made the trip to St. Louis for one of Sr. Armella’s anniversaries back in the 1990’s. Well, now Mr. Raface is not only enjoing her company and the company of other family members, including his parents (our family had often sat near them in Church) but most important he is in the arms of our Loving God whom he loved dearly! Know of my heartfelt prayers to support you as you grieve your loss. Love, Stas` Tuchalski
Dear Mrs. Rafacz and family. I was saddened to hear of Mr. Rafacz passing; he was a very good man! The Rafacz’were great neighbors and I fondly remember the time Mr. Rafacz took us to a Little League World Series game in Williamsport, Pa.. I think he enjoyed the experience even more than the young boys he chaparoned that day. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
JOHN’S FAMILY YOU HAVE MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES ON YOUR LOSS. I’VE KNOW JOHN MOST OF MY LIFE AND HE WAS ALWAYS A PLEASURE TO BE AROUND. I BOWLED WITH HIM FOR YEARS IN THE FEDERAL LEAGUE AND WSX LEAGUE AND WE HAD A LOT OF GOOD TIMES. HE WILL BE MISSED DEARLY.
I worked with John at the Blast Furnace mechanical. He was liked by anyone that he knew him. Always smiling and never a harsh word. He will be missed by all who knew him. My prayers are with the family in this time of sorrow.
Terry, Bob and Family, Please accept my condolences of your Father’s passing.
DAD, HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!! Miss you so much. Love, Chrissy