Edward C. Raftery Jr, a 31-year resident of Vero Beach, FL, died December 27, 2023, surrounded by his adoring family after a brief illness. He was 86.
Ed was born in Brooklyn, NY on February 5, 1937, to Edward C Raftery Sr. And Marie Antoinette Titus. He was raised in Forest Hills, NY and attended Our Lady Queen of Martyrs, Brooklyn Prep High School, St. John’s University, and CWPost Graduate School.
In 1961, he married Marion Jacobsen. Together, they raised six children: Edward III, William, Richard, Ann, John, and Elizabeth in Setauket, NY.
Ed was a high school English teacher in Smithtown, NY. He loved reading and was passionate about drama.He directed many talented students in several lavish Broadway-like productions.
In 1992, Mr. Raftery retired from teaching and moved to Vero Beach, FL. His wife, Marion, died in 1995 after 34 years of marriage.
In 1999, Ed met and married Nancy Crowson and began a 20-year love affair of dancing, traveling, volunteering, and fun with friends and family. They both were able to travel the world well into their eighties.
Ed was heavily involved with Habitat for Humanity, not only organizing and planning projects, but eager to build. He and Nancy were dedicated to delivering food and companionship through Meals on Wheels. His strong faith was evident in his words and actions as he was devoted to the Roman Catholic Church all of his life. He prayed the rosary daily.
Ed is survived by five of his children: William, Richard, Ann, John (Nancy) Raftery, Elizabeth Cannon, two stepdaughters: Beth (Bill) Southworth and June (Scott) Davis, as well as ten grandchildren: MaryBeth Cannon, Megan, Kelly, Erin, Patrick Raftery, Andy (Kim), Jonathan (Sara) Stone, Laura (Tyler) Grimm, Richard (Megan) Davis, Jenny (Michael) Miniati, and two great-grandchildren, Kipton and Caroline Stone.