Donald G. Rafoth passed away peacefully October 24th, 2020 at the age of 62. He was a loving and caring man, who was quick with a smile or a joke. He will be remembered by his son’s James Rafoth, Andrew (Emily) Rafoth and former wife Michelle Rafoth. He was a wonderful son to his parents James (deceased) and Doris Rafoth, and a terrific brother to his siblings, Mary (deceased) Terrance Gunderson, Charles (Michelle) Rafoth, Thomas (deceased) June Rafoth, Diane Rafoth, Jeanette (Donald) Manfredi and 19 nieces and nephews.
Don had many passions and loves ranging from his work, painting, to fishing with his family and friends, but there was nothing that could bring a smile to his face and a gleam in his eyes more than baseball. He loved talking about it, playing it, and watching it on TV. He will be greatly missed on the baseball diamond and by all of the friends that he made on the many teams he played on or against.
Don will be remembered by all who knew him as hard-working and as a man who enjoyed being busy. He was kind hearted and willing to lend a helping hand. His presence will be greatly missed by all of his family and friends.
A Private service will be heldFridayOctober 30 at 3Pm with a lifestream at https://vimeo.com/keenanfuneralhome. Public Calling Hours Will be held Friday October 30 from 4-6 at the Richard H. Keenan Funeral Home (Egypt Location) 7501 Pittsford Palmyra Road, Fairport.
Comments
16 responses to “Rafoth, Donald”
I am so sorry about the loss of Don. This is such a surprise and I will keep everyone in my thoughts and prayers. Love to all my cousins and Aunt Doris
I will always remember playing ball with Donnie and laughing a lot. He was always a joy to be on the ball field with. He will be missed. RIP Donnie, see you again one day on the ball diamond in the sky.
So sorry to hear on Don passing. I feel for his Mother Doris but know her faith will get her through it all? I grew up with Don and his family on Frances st. We always were outside playing games and Don putting together baseball games, as well as making goals out of wood so we could play hockey in the street. He was a great guy and always included us in all the games we played together in our neighborhood. Gods speed my friend and be at peace now with your father, sister and my best friend Tom.
Donny. Baseball – will definitely be missed as he was a fun caring man and good friend. Don has a great family who supported him and you could see them at many of Donny’s games. Don and I played softball on the same team in Fairport for 22 years, we also played travel softball and we roomed together for the past 7 years. Don was a leader on the field as he knew the game inside and out and in those years of playing I can say without hesitation he was one of the best 5 shortstops in all of Rochester. I know all the softball community is greatly saddened by his passing,
I am so sorry for the loss of my cousin Don. He has definitely gone too soon. My love and prayers go out to his family and especially to my Aunt Doris.
I remember going out with Michelle and Don.and while Michelle was in the restroom David, Don and myself would move to another table. He will be missed. He will be loved through eternity.
Sorry for the loss of my cousin Don. I will remember the laughter he always brought with him. Blessings and hugs to my cousins and Aunt Doris
I rember Don teaching how to ride a big bike. All the sports we played. He will be missed.
At Edison I met this kid who became part of a group of guys who encouraged each other to do our best. We looked forward to seeing each other at school since we lived on opposite sides of town. This kid was Don Rafoth who notoriously became known as the “Raf”.
I admired Don’s skills and talent in any sport. He made me look good when I threw a pass because no matter how bad the throw, he made the catch. At 2nd base his range was tremendous to either side. Don’s ability to grab a ball moving toward 2nd and turn to throw back to first in time was 2nd to none. I remember trotting in about 20 feet for a fly ball from right center field and suddenly see a glove grab the ball. He called it so we didn’t run into each other. I just couldn’t believe he covered that much ground. Don was strong, quick, knowledgeable and confident in his abilities.
God bless the Rafoth family. Don was proud of all of you. He loved all of you. He will be missed.
The “Raf” is legendary to me.
In the middle of winter playing hockey in the school parking lot, thawing out in the Rafoth basement paying pool and eating pizza from Bay & Goodman. Good times, good memories.
Also Don a.k.a. “The Raf” taught me the craft of commercial painting at Sibley, Lindsay, & Currently. A craft that I performed right up until my retirement last year. Him expecting perfection out of me made all the jobs I had since seem easy.
Thank you Don, you were like a brother to me back then, and I proud to say you were a good friend. You are missed, but the good memories will keep you alive forever in my mind.
Diane and family, I am so so sorry to hear about your brother, son,nieces,nephews and hisyour brothers family. May his soul rest in peace and I will pray for you and your family. Love
Even though we didn’t see Don very often he always made a point of coming over and talking and joking with us. He always made us feel welcome. We will miss his smile!
I remember Don trying to teach how to bat at family picnic’s. I never did learn.
As kids we spent countless hours at our house on Rohr or on Fransis with our Moms making all of us lunch during our break from St Fransis… some of my best childhood memories are deeply connected with the Rafoth family . Don and I were many years apart so as kids we didnt necessarily hang to much but he never picked on me or beat me up back then lol. I’m sure I could be a pain like any little kid trying to get the older kids attention. All joking aside I deeply appreciate that Don always reached out to me when he came to Arizona for ball tournaments (usually right about now is when he would be here…) I have learned to have a great appreciation for family over the years and miles I have been away from Rochester. Thank You Don for bringing family a little closer on your visits
Don was always kind and a smile. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
I was saddened to lean of Don’s passing. I had the privilege of playing softball with him. Don was a kind and compassionate spirit who was a gifted athlete. He was very proud of both of his boys. I remember telling him how much my son enjoyed taking swimming lessons with Jimmy and what a great kid Jim was. He absolutely beamed! I also recall hearing him speak with pride about Andrew and his conquests on the athletic fields. His boys brought him lots of smiles and Don brought lots of smiles to those who were fortunate to cross paths with him. May you be comforted by happy times and cherished memories. Rest in peace friend.