Rosario C. Raffa

  Mr. Raffa was a firefighter, retired from the Newark Fire Department. He was a member of the Newark Fireman’s Union, Fire Relief Association, Retired Police & Fireman’s Association of Essex County, V.F.W. Post 185 (Newark Fireman’s Post). Mr. Raffa served 26 years as a Newark Firefighter. 

 

            Mr. Raffa served in the United States Navy in World War II aboard the U.S.S. Quincy. He served in the Normandy Invasion, D-Day, H-Hour. The Quincy was given the honor of firing off the first volley on D-Day. In World War II, President of the United States, Franklin Delano Roosevelt made his headquarters aboard the U.S.S. Quincy on his trip to the Yalta Conference. Many distinguished guests came aboard ship such as Winston Churchill, Sir Anthony Eden, King Farouk of Egypt, King of Saudi Arabia, Hali Salassee of Ethiopia, General Eisenhower, Admiral William D. Leahy, Admiral of the Atlantic Fleet, Ernest J. King. All guests met with President Roosevelt before proceeding to the Yalta Conference.

 

            Mr. Raffa also served aboard the U.S.S. Conway (Destroyer) in the Korean War and did see action in Korea. The Conway participated in a goodwill tour around the world with a fleet of U.S. Navy warships after serving in the Korean War.

 

            Mr. Raffa was pre-deceased by his wife, Antoinette Polino Raffa, his good friend and brother-in-law, Carl Polino, his sisters Anna Zappulla of Ocala, Florida, Angela Colamarco of Nutley, New Jersey, Victoria Masone of Cranford, New Jersey and Lillian McBride of Willingboro, New Jersey.

 

            The family would like to thank Visiting Angels and particularly Sue, Louise and all those who cared so lovingly for Mr. Raffa. 

 

            Mr. Raffa is survived by a host of nieces, nephews, grand nephews and grand nieces and a great grand niece who will miss their uncle very much.