Ronald A. Rafferty

Ronald A. Rafferty, 71, of Syracuse, passed away Sunday, March 29, 2015 after an 18 month battle with cancer. A native of Potsdam, Ronald resided in the Syracuse area for most of his life and was the son of the late Lawrence and Bertha Rafferty.

Ronald served in the U.S. Army Reserves. He retired in 1995 after 35 years with the shipping and receiving department at Bristol-Myers Squibb in East Syracuse. Ronald was a life member of the Pastimes Athletic Club in Syracuse and was an avid golfer who loved bowling and playing poker with his friends. He enjoyed traveling and spending time with his family.

In addition to his parents, Ronald was predeceased by the love of his life and companion of 32 years, Margaret Gosselin, in 2003 and by his brother, Spencer Rafferty, in 1982.

Ronald is survived by his five children: Vicki (Jim) Sawdey of Syracuse, Renee (James) Clarke of Hammond, NY, Stephen (Lisa) Gosselin of Syracuse, Brenda (Dennis) Flynn of Manlius, and Ronald (Jennifer) Rafferty, II of Minoa; his siblings: Patricia Rafferty of Brewerton, and Robert and George Trzaska, both of Syracuse; 16 grandchildren; six great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Contributions in Ronald's memory may be made to St. Jude Children's Research, P.O. Box 1000, Dept 1142, Memphis, TN 38148.

Friends may call on Wednesday from 3-7pm at Krueger Funeral Home, 2619 Brewerton Rd., Mattydale, NY. Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, 10 am at the funeral home. Burial will be in Assumption Cemetery, Syracuse.