Michael Patrick Raftery - 83

6/11/2026 - 6/11/2026

Park Forest, Illinois

Michael Patrick Raftery, age 83, went home to our Lord on June 9, 2026. Beloved husband of Ginny (Wall) Raftery for 55 years. Devoted and loving father of Matthew (Dennis Bartolomei) Raftery, Anne (Leo) Cassidy, Maureen (Patrick) Hisel, Erin (Scott) Deluga, and Daniel (Holly) Raftery. Cherished "Papa" grandfather to Keegan, Leo, and Cara Cassidy; Ireland, Faustin, and Blaise Kelly; Aubrey and Emma Deluga; Madeleine Raftery; and Nora and Gavin Hisel. Dear son of the late Thomas and Beatrice Raftery. Fond Brother of the late Reverend Thomas Raftery, the late Dolores (Bernard) Mackiney, the late Robert (Charlotte) Raftery, the late James (Patricia) Raftery. Caring brother-in-law of Larry (Kathy) Wall, John "Murph" (late Caryl) Wall, Marilouise "Wees" (late Terry) Wall, MD, the late JoAnn (late Bill) Ruff, MD, late Mary Helen (late Larry) Connolly, late Betty Jane (the late Jim) O'Toole, and late Frank Wall.

Mike was a fun-loving uncle to many nieces and nephews. Mike was a teacher, a man of deep faith, moral substance, and profound care of people, and most notably his students. He had a calling to teaching as a very young man. That was the vocation that he followed, and he pursued learning his entire life, eventually earning a Master's Degree from the University of Chicago. As a young teacher, he enjoyed guiding canoe trips in Canada's Quetico Provincial Park with groups of students and even convincing his bride to be, to join him.

He started his career teaching 6th grade at St. Albert the Great for 2 years, then moving on to his alma mater Brother Rice High School for 8 years, Rich East High School for 20 years, and finishing his career at Marian Catholic High School for another 23 years. All in all, Mike taught for an astonishing 53 years, a calling indeed. He sponsored the newspaper at Rich East for many years, The Revellier, of which he loved and was very proud. He fostered his students' ability to speak their truth, and defended their first amendment right fervently. He was also very fond of the many girls tennis teams that he coached. Literature was his passion, as he amassed his own personal library, and read everyday. He led his students in rich discussions and wanted each of them to think for themselves. Something which his students repaid him for, by nominating him for several Golden Apple Awards over the years. He was always the most passionate about a lively class debate as a teacher. In retirement, he still found himself going back to Marian Catholic, to help and tutor students, but also enjoyed time with his bride that included many trips to Michigan, Minnesota, and downtown Chicago.

Mike was passionate about the arts, as reflected in his subscription to the Court Theater, and many trips to the Chicago Symphony, the Marriott Theater, and the Art Institute. Mike was also an athlete and Chicago sports fan throughout life, and enjoyed spirited and friendly competition with sports such as hockey, tennis, golf and racquetball. He enjoyed running and swimming for his health and took his kids to the pool routinely for years. Mike was a loving husband and father above all, eternally devoted to his dear Ginny.

Resting at Panozzo Bros. Funeral Home, 530 W. 14th Street (US Rt 30, 3 blks E of Western Ave), Chicago Heights, Illinois, on Sunday June 14 from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. Lying in State at St. Veronica Catholic Church (formerly Infant Jesus of Prague), 1131 Douglas Avenue, Flossmoor, Illinois, on Monday June 15, 2026  from 10:30 a.m. until the time of Funeral Mass 11:30 a.m.  Interment Calvary Cemetery, Steger. Info 708-481-9230 and panozzobros.com.

A livestream link will be provided for those unable to attend the Mass.