Russell Thomas Raffa

Middletown, - Russell Thomas Raffa, 61, of 162 Alston Avenue, Middletown, died Sunday, June 20, 2004 at Charlton Memorial Hospital Fall River, MA.Born in Newport, RI on May 9, 1943, he was the son of Thomas P. Raffa of Middletown, and the late Ruth Patricia Judge Raffa. Mr. Raffa was a graduate of Rogers High School, Class of 1962. He had served as a member of the Rhode Island National Guard, from 1962 until 1968. He had worked at Raytheon Corporation in Portsmouth until he moved to Florida in 1972. From 1972-1976, he was the co-owner of J R Painting Company of Miami, FL and had been the principle painter of the Doral Country Club in Miami, FL. In 1976, Mr. Raffa started his own business in Rhode Island, as a painting contractor, and also worked with his late uncle Anthony Amaral in his Painting firm until 1986. From 1980-1991, he was also the owner and operator of MR Real Estate. Mr. Raffa had spent the winters in Miami, FL, for over the last 25 years. He was an avid bicycler and runner and had traveled the world with his fiance, Mimi Oliveira. Mr. Raffa had participated in many Charity Race events winning numerous awards. He is survived by his father and step mother Roberta Diggles Raffa of Middletown, RI, his fianc Mimi Oliveira of Middletown, RI, two brothers Thomas P. Raffa Jr. and Salvatore T. Raffa both of Newport, RI, and his sister Carol Anderson of Newport, RI.He was the stepson of the late Agnes Fay Bland Raffa. His funeral will be held on Thursday, June 24, 2004, at 2:00PM in First Presbyterian Church, Broadway And Everett, Newport. Cremation will follow at The Atlantic Cremation Service in Portsmouth, RIDonations may be made in his memory to Multiple Sclerosis Society Rhode Island Chapter 205 Hallene Road Suite 209 Warwick, RI 02886 or to the Food Kitchen Ministries % The First Presbyterian Church 6 Everett St. Newport, RI 02840.