Patrick Michael Rafter passed away peacefully on May 24, 2020 in Sun City, Arizona. He was born July 6, 1940 in Chicago, Illinois to Patrick and Catherine Rafter. He was the eldest of eight children.
On December 7, 1963 he married the love of his life, Brenda Howard Rafter and spent the last 56 years completely devoted to her. Patrick was a man of extremely high integrity and intelligence. He came from a modest upbringing but was very proud of obtaining his Electrical Engineering degree and providing well for his family. He spent his entire career as an electrical engineer and in consumer electronics where he obtained many patents including the universal remote control.
His one true passion in life was spending time with his family and the deep love he had for ALL of them. He attended as many as possible baseball, hockey, soccer and lacrosse games and gymnastics meets of his three grandchildren. His latest joy was the birth of his great granddaughter in 2019 whom he adored.
He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Catherine Bruno Rafter and Patrick Francis Rafter, his brothers Matthew Rafter, William Rafter and Joseph Rafter. He is survived by his wife, Brenda Howard Rafter and children, Gina Rafter Lubert (Ron S Lubert Jr), and Michael Rafter (Julia Powell Rafter) and grandchildren, Ryne Lubert, Tara Patterson (Ryan Patterson) and Jaden Rafter and one great granddaughter, Blakely Patterson. He is also survived by his siblings Kathy Kulpaka, Mary Ann Knutson, Danny Rafter and Malachy Rafter.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Patrick's memory may be made to National Kidney Foundation of Arizona, 360 E. Coronado Rd. #180, Phoenix, AZ 85004 US, https://azkidney.org/.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.sunlandmemorial.com for the Rafter family.
