Be the first to share your favorite memory, photo or story of
Arthur.
This memorial page is dedicated for family, friends and future generations to celebrate
the life of their loved one.
We ask on behalf of the family that you keep your comments uplifting and appropriate
to help all who come here to find comfort and healing.
Obituary for Arthur J. Rafter
Arthur J. Rafter, 91, of Mason, NH, died peacefully at the Hackett Hill Healthcare Center in Manchester, NH, surrounded by his loving family on November 10, 2016.
He was born in Milford, NH, on January 20, 1925, and was the son of Thomas Francis Rafter and Olive Ela Rafter (Blood). Arthur was a lifelong member of the Mason Congregational Church and served as a Deacon for many years. During WWII, he was in the US Navy for four years as a third-class soundman in Harbor Defenses. As a third-class soundman, his tour of duty took him to New York Harbor, Guam, and Los Angeles, CA. After the war, he graduated from Wentworth Institute of technology and worked for the Clayton W. Chase construction company designing bridges throughout the state of NH. Later, he managed operations for Ryder Concrete and then Granite State Concrete. After marrying Virginia Miller in 1951, they lived briefly in Amherst before moving to Mason where they settled for the rest of their lives.
He enjoyed gardening, canoeing and traveling with Ginie, and was also a carpenter who built his own home in 1956. He believed in community service and was one of the original founding members of the Mason Volunteer Fire Department. He and Ginie enjoyed square dancing with the Wolf Rockers of Mason, NH and ball room dancing. He was a very loving and caring father and grandfather. He will be remembered as a man who worked hard until the very end and was always willing help the community and his friends.
Arthur is survived by two sons and one daughter. Harold W. Rafter and his wife Susan Jackson-Rafter of Nottingham, NH. Kenneth M. Rafter and his wife Adrienne Rafter of Long Island. Jane R. Goodhart and her husband Gary Goodhart of Pleasant Valley, NY. He has five grandchildren and one great grandchild. He was pre-deceased by his wife Virginia, his three brothers, Robert and Bruce Rafter and Charles Emory, and two sisters Shirley Smith and Janice Adams.
