Frank Raffa

Niantic — Frank Joseph Raffa died Jan. 14, 2020, after a brief battle with bile duct cancer.

He was born Aug. 16, 1944, in Hartford. He was the son of the deceased Frank A. and Ann (Ferrigno) Raffa.

Frank grew up on Roxbury Road in East Hartford, a place he always said was like “Happy Days.” He was very proud of his years “behind the counter” at Raffa’s Package Store, the family business established in 1947.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Linda D’Antonio Raffa, and his two daughters, Stefanie Raffa Adjekum and Gretchen Raffa; and by his loving grandson, Amaré Kyrie Adjekum. Frank is also survived by his sister Carol Raffa Benson and her children, Lisa Little and Paul Zabilansky; his two great-nephews, Chucky and Charlie; his mother-inlaw, Josephine D’Antonio; and sister-in-law, sister Annette D’Antonio, MPF. He was predeceased by nephew Chuck Zabilansky; and father-in-law, Luke D’Antonio.

Frank treasured the relationships he had with his dear cousins and cherished friends, too many to mention here. He welcomed everyone into his circle and his friends were considered his family. He enjoyed living at Giants Neck Beach and taking his daily walks there and at Rocky Neck.

Frank was definitely a “people person,” who loved talking with and sharing a laugh with everyone he knew or met along the way and hopes that is how he will be remembered.

Fulton-Theroux on Lake Avenue, Niantic is assisting the family with arrangements. At Frank’s request, there are no calling hours or services. He would like us to meet “under the martini tree” sometime during the summer, raise a glass, and share a laugh or two, as we reminisce.

The family would like to thank the wonderful doctors and caring nursing staff of Yale New Haven Hospital and St Raphael’s in New Haven, especially their Palliative Care team that provided much comfort and guidance to Frank. Frank spent his final days at the beautiful and peaceful Connecticut Hospice in Branford. There are no words that can describe the loving devotion and commitment of each and every provider, staff member and volunteer, not only to those in their care, but to the family as well. For this we are forever grateful.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish, may make a donation to CT Hospice, 100 Double Beach Road, Branford, CT 06405 or the Jimmy V Foundation for Cancer Research, 14600 Weston Parkway, Cary, NC 27513.