Lawrence Raftery passed away suddenly of cardiac arrest on April 25th, 2026. He was born and raised in Monaca. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clara Mihalco Raftery and Lawrence Clyde (Mike) Raftery. He is survived by his sister, Pamela Varga.

After graduating from Monaca High School, Lawrence earned a law degree from Pitt University. He worked as a law librarian at Quinnipiac University in Connecticut until he returned home to take care of his elderly parents Clara and Mike Raftery. He continued to work from home in the filed of law research. He had a great sense of humor and a kind generous nature. He enjoyed giving gifts to his friends and family and always knew just what to give them. At holiday times, he donated hundreds of dollars in gift items to the Yellow Ribbon Girls, the Monaca Presbyterian Church and other charities. He enjoyed watching Life Time movies on TV and joked about how ridiculous and predictable the plots were. Although he didn’t have much of a “green thumb,” he enjoyed gardening. He filled the backyard and front yard with shrubs, plotted plants, colorful benches and garden art. Every spring, he would tear out the many dead plants and plant more. He wanted to fill the yard so he wouldn’t have to cut grass, a task that he hated. He joked about the “evil” rabbits that would always nibble at his plantings. He also enjoyed drawing and arts and craft projects. He drew a beautiful portrait of his mother Clara that was proudly hung in the family living room. Family was the most important thing in his life. He took loving care of his parents when they grew older and assumed management of the household. He and his sister were very close and loved to tease each other. He always looked after her giving help when needed along with lots of advice about life. He is greatly missed and lovingly remembered.

Donations in his honor can be made to the Beaver County Humane Society, 3394 Brodhead Road, Aliquippa, PA 15001.

Friends will be received on Friday, May 8th from 4-6 p.m. at SIMPSON FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca, where services will be held at 6 p.m.