Funeral services set for former Councilman Franny Rafferty

Funeral arrangements have been set for former City Councilman Francis W. Rafferty, who died Sunday. He was 82.

Rafferty, of Grays Ferry, was a U.S. Army veteran who served in Council from 1976-87 as a very conservatve Democrat and had scraps with Lucien Blackwell in 1979 and John Street in 1981. He was also former president of the Grays Ferry Community Council and the St. Patrick’s Day Observance Association.

A viewing is set for Tuesday, Aug. 18, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., and Wednesday, Aug. 19, from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. at St. Gabriel Catholic Church, 29th and Dickinson streets. A funeral Mass is scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 19, at 11 a.m. at St. Gabe’s.

Rafferty is survived by his wife of 56 years, Patricia (nee Sullivan); children Francis W. Jr., Peter J. (Elena), Thomas F. (Alisa), Mary Pat (Pete) Tobola and Michael J. (Razel) Rafferty; 10 grandchildren and the late baby, Mary; siblings Patsy Zackey and Janet Hartigan and the late Edward Rafferty, Elizabeth Pelliciotti, Marie Gledhill and William Rafferty; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

A private interment will be held at Washington Crossing National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Our House Ministries, 1447 S. 29th St., Philadelphia, PA 19146. •