William Peter Raffone, Jr. Obituary (1938 - 2023)

William Peter Raffone, Jr.April 1, 1938 - April 24, 2023 It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Bill who departed from this world on April 24,2023 at the age of 85 in Tucson, Arizona.Bill was born in New Haven, CT on April 1, 1938 to Jane "Nan" Terranova Raffone and William PeterRaffone, Sr. He was raised in West Haven, CT along with his younger sister, Joanne, whom he adored.He was active in track and football during his years at West Haven High School.Bill had perfect penmanship, a keen eye for aesthetics, interest in building design and planning, and anatural talent for drafting which led him to attend Syracuse University where he earned a Bachelor'sdegree in Architecture graduating in 1961. Throughout Bill's fulfilling 40-year career in architecture andconstruction in CT he worked at Carl Blanchard Architects, Central Connecticut Acoustics and TaulmanConstruction. He was a licensed architect in CT from 1968-2001 and had an Arizona license in reservesince 2000.Bill married his high school sweetheart, Frances Eve Thomas, August 19, 1961 and settled down in WestHaven where they raised two daughters, Wendy Eve and Joyce Ellen. Bill had compassion for animalsand there were always pet cats in the house for companionship.While residing in West Haven Bill and the family were parishioners at Christ Episcopal Church where heserved on the Vestry committee and Fran sang in the choir. Bill and Fran enjoyed playing pinochleregularly with 2 of Fran's fellow elementary school teachers and their spouses with whom they had alively friendship. Quality time was frequently spent with both the Raffone and Thomas sides of thefamily and with other special friends.Bill and Fran enjoyed traveling and were fortunate to have the opportunity of a lifetime to go on a 17-day world trip in 1973 which included stops in: Morocco, Kenya, Ethiopia, Thailand, Hong Kong, Guamand Hawaii and they immersed themselves in the exotic cultures. They also traveled extensivelydomestically and frequently visited family and friends in Maine and New Hampshire. Bill especiallyloved the Southwest particularly Utah, New Mexico and Arizona. When the time came to plan aretirement location, Arizona was the top choice and Bill supervised the building of a home in a newlydeveloping gated community in Marana called The (Heritage) Highlands. When building was completeBill and Fran drove across the country with their beloved cat, Lucy, in tow. Bill's interest in theSouthwest extended to an appreciation of the indigenous culture and in the course of decorating theirnew home, he and Fran amassed an impressive collection of Native American paintings, prints, pottery,baskets and other handicrafts.Bill enjoyed a marvelous retirement in Arizona. He and Fran enjoyed family and friends from their homestate of CT traveling to stay with them and taking them to their favorite attractions and restaurants inthe area. Bill and Fran made a wonderful circle of friends in Arizona, many of which met regularly toplay the popular card game called Hand and Foot. He and Fran were parishioners at Christ the KingEpiscopal Church in Tucson where Bill served on the landscape committee. Throughout his life Bill was an avid baseball fan, noting his mother instilled in him her love of the NewYork Yankees. During retirement Bill also followed the Arizona Diamondbacks closely, but had a respectfor the sport and enjoyed watching all teams. He became a hard-core baseball card collector with afocus on Derek Jeter and other favorite players.Bill had a myriad of interests and a deep appreciation of nature which led to a collection of shells andminerals. His interest in American History led to collections of U.S. coins and stamps.He was a person who made friends easily throughout his life and especially during retirement andfrequently knew the names of the employees in all the businesses he frequented.Bill was predeceased by his parents, Jane "Nan" Terranova Raffone and William Peter Raffone, Sr. andhis brother-in-law David Raymond Thomas with whom he was very close. He is survived by his wife of62 years Frances Thomas Raffone and their daughters Wendy Eve Raffone Tatham and her spouse,Robert John Tatham, Jr. and Joyce Raffone and her spouse, John Betz. Bill is also survived by his sister,Joanne and her husband David McKeand, their daughter Deborah McKeand and her husband ShannonGoldman as well as their son David McKeand, his wife Jeanine and their son Baylor. Bill is also survivedby his sister-in-law, Gail Johnson Thomas, his niece Robyn Thomas Lisone and her husband John Lisoneand nephew Raymond Paul Thomas and his wife Karen Thomas and their children.Bill's greatest joy was with sharing time with his family and will be remembered by all as the type ofperson that offered encouragement, support and made you feel good about yourself in his presence.Please remember him in your prayers and cherish your memories of him in your hearts.Burial in Oak Grove Cemetery in West Haven, CT will be private. Since Bill felt strongly about the needsof animals, Native Americans and U.S. Veterans donations in Bill's name may be sent to the WoundedWarrior Project, The Humane Society, The American Heart Association or any charity benefiting Native Americans.