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STIMS: The Shamrock Traditional Irish Music Society, Inc...............
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Mike Rafferty RIP
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This obituary appeared in The Record and Herald News. (NJ) – and
was provided by Earle Hitchner Irish Echoe]
RAFFERTY Mike, 84, of Hasbrouck Heights on September 13, 2011. Born on September 27, 1926 to the late Thomas and Kathleen
Rafferty.
Mike grew up in Ballinakill, East Galway, Ireland. In 1949, he emigrated to the United States where
he married and raised a family. An outstanding proponent of the East Galway style of flute playing, he devoted more time to
teaching and playing music when he retired in 1989 from Grand Union in Carlstadt. He appeared on many recordings and has recorded
albums with his daughter Mary.
A member of the Bergen County Irish Association and the Mike Rafferty - Joe Madden
C.C.E. Ceili Branch in Bogota, NJ. In 2003, Mike was named Irish Echo's Traditional Musician of the Year.
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| Mike Rafferty's Speed 78 Tour |
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| Mike, Mary Rafferty Clancy & Donal Clancy |
In September 2010, he received the NEA National Heritage Fellowship Award in Washington
D.C. He is a National Treasure to the United States Government.
Beloved husband of fifty-nine years to Teresa
Rafferty. Devoted father of Kathy Taras of Oak Ridge, Tn., Terri Krisinski and her husband Bob of Dumont, Michael Rafferty
and his wife Janice of Saddle Brook, Patrick Rafferty and his wife Ruth of East Brunswick and Mary Rafferty Clancy and her
husband Donal of Co. Waterford, Ireland. Dear brother of Johnny Rafferty of Wales, Mary DeVito of Fla., Kathleen Glynn of
Co. Galway, Ireland and the late Paddy and Thomas Rafferty and Johanna Minogue. Loving grandfather of Anthony, Amy, Keith,
Amanda, Nicholas, Chenery, Liadain, Colm and Liam. Cherished great grandfather of Alex, Zach and McKenna.
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