John “Jack” Rafalko, Minooka, passed away Tuesday night in the Allied Services Hospice Center after an illness. His wife is the former Janet Timlin.
Born 1964 in Scranton, he was the son of Nancy Coggins Rafalko, Scranton and the late John “JR” Rafalko and was a graduate of the Scranton Technical High School and upon graduation he continued his education at Johnson College. Jack served honorably in Pennsylvania National Guard. Prior to his illness, he was a very talented home builder and contractor.
Jack had a passion for music and enjoyed playing the guitar. He was a loyal Dallas Cowboys and Boston Red Sox fan.
Also surviving are daughters Samantha Francis and her husband John of Scranton and Nicole Rafalko of Pittsburgh; sisters Evie Rafalko McNulty of Scranton and Robin Rafalko of Dunmore; father and mother in law Thomas and Janet Timlin of Scranton; brothers and sisters in law; nieces and nephews; their faithful dog Maisey.
His family would also like to recognize and thank Jack’s lifelong friends who have supported him over the years.
He was preceded in death by his brother in law the Hon. James Barrett McNulty.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday at 10am in the Immaculate Conception Church 801 Taylor Ave Scranton by Rev. Joseph Sica.
Friends may call Friday from 4-7pm in the church.
Interment, private at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers the family encourages memorial contributions be made to the Four Diamonds Fund for Conquering Childhood Cancer, c/o Four Diamonds at Penn State Children’s Hospital, PO Box 852, Hershey, PA 17003 or to Penn State’s Dance Marathon benefitting the Four Diamonds Fund at thon.org.
Mary Lou and Jim Burne
Deepest sympathy, our thoughts and prayers are with you
Jeanmarie Coyne
Jackie was a remarkable childhood friend. He was a decent man with a big heart. His sense of humor and smile will always stay with me. I am a better person from sharing my childhood adventures with you and your sisters and of course Nancy and J.R. . May all of you find peace, I am always here for you. My sympathies to family and rest easy my dear friend.
Jeanmarie Coyne
“Strange, isn’t it? Each man’s life touches so many other lives. When he isn’t around he leaves an awful hole, doesn’t he?”
“It’s A Wonderful Life”
Love you Jackie.x
Maureen Dwyer
Janet, my deepest sympathies to you and your girls… and your whole family.
Rex Burdick
best guitar player ever Jackie I miss you brother
Joe Curry
Evie…Our deepest sympathy. Please know that you are all in our prayers.
Joe and Rosemary Curry
Mike and Alice Reuther
Our deepest sympathies go out to you and your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Regina Coyne
My heartfelt condolences on your loss. I remember many happy days, especially in Cape May, with Jackie and Tom in their pre- teen years. Jack was such a good friend to all my children. He will be missed by many. Nancy, Evie and Robin, I send you my love and hugs. To Jack’s wife and children, we all know what a decent human being and Dad he was.
Words are insufficient.