Kent Michael Rafferty
RAFFERTY KENT MICHAEL
51, of Irwin, died suddenly on June 30, 2009. He was born March 1, 1958, in Pittsburgh, a son of Thomas F. Rafferty and wife Kathe, of Erie and Jeanne Emminger Rafferty, of Webster Groves, Missouri. He attended Shady Side Academy and graduated in 1976. He then graduated from Bucknell University in 1980 and received his masters degree from the University of Pittsburgh Katz Graduate School of Business. Kent was employed by Knepper Press from 1986 to 2003. Most recently he was a driving instructor for E. Paul Inc. He won numerous auto racing events including the SCCA Solo II Championship, the 2000 Street Modified Solo II Championship, and he 2000 Street Modified Pro Solo Championship. He was also a multi-time YMCA Masters Swimming Champion, a Black Belt in Taekwondo, and competed in many triathlons and the Pittsburgh Marathon. He predeceased by a sister, Kathleen Rafferty. In addition to his parents, he is survived by a sister Laurel Rafferty Pascoe and husband Michael, of Erie; two brothers: Thomas P. Rafferty and wife Heidi, of Plano, Tex. and Stephen Rafferty and wife Anne, of St. Louis, Missouri; two nieces: Amy and Sara Rafferty; and a nephew Patrick Rafferty. He is also survived by his fiance, Melissa Gratta, of Irwin and his precious poodle Harley. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Steel City Greyhounds (
Steel City Greyhounds - The Best Hounds in Town!). Private entombment will be in Christ Our Redeemer Cemetery, Pittsburgh.
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RIP