Richard Raftery

Richard Joseph Raftery Jr., 73, of Bristol, loving husband of Eldianne Gale Bishop, passed away at the VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven Campus on December 31, 2017. Richard was born in Boston, MA on December 7, 1944 to the late Richard Joseph and Sarah Veronica (Keeler) Raftery.
Richard grew up in Boston, MA where he got married in 1982 to his loving wife, Eldianne. They both moved to Bristol together where they raised their children in 1984. Richard proudly served his country, having completed one tour in the U.S. Navy and two tours in the Army where he was an airborne ranger. After being honorably discharged, he became a PT instructor for the Army Recruiting Center in Bristol. He enjoyed camping, daytrips, being outdoors, telling jokes, going to Rocky Beach, going to the Navy base in Groton, but above all else, spending time with his grandchildren.
In addition to his wife, Richard is survived by his son and daughter-in-law: Albert Robert and Rebecca Christine Genovese of Bristol; two daughters: Eldianne Vena Raftery of Winsted and Veronica Anne Raftery and her boyfriend Alex Justin Claude Lachance of Bristol; three grandchildren: Anthony Michael Genovese, Tramell Kashka Hines, Anastasia Rayne Genovese; and many nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to call at Funk Funeral Home on Saturday (January 13, 2018) between 9 AM and 11 AM. Burial with military honors will follow at CT State Veteran’s Cemetery, 317 Bow Lane, Middletown, CT. Please visit Richard’s memorial website at www.FUNKFUNERALHOME.com

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