John Joseph Raftery
John Joseph Raftery, age 87; beloved husband of Mary (nee Kozuch) for 58 wonderful years; loving father of Kevin (Sandy) Raftery, Anne (Keith) Rainer, Maureen (Don) Vear, William (Elizabeth) Raftery, and Tom (Lucy) Raftery; dear grandfather of Jackie (Paul) Eberly, Cory Betzel, Meghan (Adam) Brescia, Matt Vear, Maggie Vear, Sean Raftery, and Sophie Raftery; fond great-grandfather of Charlotte, Preston, and Peyton; John is also survived by his grand-dog, Lexi. John was the cherished son of the late Martin (native of Co. Roscommon, Ireland) and Delia (nee Caufield) Raftery (native of Co. Roscommon, Ireland).
John spent his young adult life on the south side of Chicago, IL. In the 1950s, he served in the U.S. Army, based primarily in Europe. Upon completion of his service, he lived in the Midwest and on the West Coast before returning to Chicago where he met his true love; John and Mary were wedded on April 23, 1960. The newlyweds purchased a house in one of Chicago’s western suburbs, La Grange Park, where – beginning in 1962 – they would raise five children and three dogs, and host a countless number of family and friends.
John loved to travel; his professional career and hobbies revolved around travel. After working for Aer Lingus for a number of years, John’s desire to spend less time away from his children, entrepreneurial spirit, and Irish heritage led him to launch an Irish import business called A Touch of Ireland. John was proud of the business, and the fact that Mary, and at different points of time, each of the Raftery children and some of their children’s children engaged with the business. Furthermore, all of A Touch of Ireland’s employees, partners, and members of the communities it has served, became extended family.
Visitation Friday, December 28 from 3 to 8pm at Hallowell & James Funeral Home, 1025 W. 55th St., Countryside, IL. Funeral Mass 10am Saturday, December 29 at St. Cletus Church, 600 W. 55th St., LaGrange, IL. Family and friends are asked to meet directly at Church. Interment at Resurrection Cemetery will take place privately. Memorial donations may be given to ChildFund Ireland (www.childfund.ie). Additional Info: 708-352-6500
So sad to hear about Mr. Raftery’s passing. As an Irish Dance family with the Trinity Academy, we have purchased many Irish dance shoes as well as other items from A Touch of Ireland over the years. Couldn’t have met a more wonderful, engaging man. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.