Robert Anthony Rafferty Sr. was age 96 years old from Hartville, Ohio. He died peacefully in his home surrounded by family on Tuesday May 9, 2017. He met his wife of 72 years at Allegheny High School in Pittsburgh, Pa. and they married in 1942. She preceded him in death in 2015. Son, Richard, passed away in 2008. He was survived by children Bob Jr. (Jane), Creighton (Mary), Kathy (Bruce) Scollin, Patrick, Terry (Peggy), Dan (Marianne), Joe, and Maureen (Randy) Stout, 26 Grandchildren and 16 Great Grandchildren.

He was born on June 17, 1920 in Pittsburgh, Pa. After the death of his father at age 5 he grew up in a Catholic Orphanage until age 16. He served in World War II and eventually became a Federal State Employee and worked for 35 years with the Department of Defense in Quality Control.

He moved his growing family to Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio in 1954. In 1977 he and Mary moved to Hartville, Ohio where they eventually retired. He was an active member of Little Flower Catholic Parish for 40 years serving in the Men's Club and the Church Choir.

He was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, neighbor and friend. He had a passion for music from the time he first learned to play the harmonica in the orphanage. He played piano by ear until just weeks before his death. He loved to entertain family around the piano.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday May 13, 2017 at Little Flower Catholic Parish 2040 Diamond St. NE, Canton, Ohio. Viewing at 9:00 a.m., followed by Mass at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to Little Flower Church.

Arnold 330-877-9364

www.arnoldfuneralhome.com