Frank (Francis) Joseph Rafalko, Jr., 79, Southport, NC died on July 13, 2022.
Born in Newark, NJ on January 31, 1943, he was a son of the late Frank J. Rafalko and Anne Hulay Rafalko.
Frank was a retired Intelligence Officer with the United States Government, where he faithfully served his country for 32 years. After retirement, Frank became a Published Author. Frank was a devout and active member of his church his entire life, serving in many roles such as alter server as both a young man and adult as well as being active in the Knight of Columbus reaching the 4th Degree. Frank passionately worked to raise awareness and resources for various charities that helped children in need as he felt no child should go hungry.
Surviving are his wife, Karen Pingicer Rafalko; son, Eric Rafalko (Heather Burpee Rafalko), Eagle River, Alaska; daughters, Jenifer O’Neill PhD, Dublin, OH and Heather Phelps Ayres (Rob Ayres), Charlottesville, VA; brother, Michael Rafalko (Lois), Herndon, VA; and seven grandchildren.
Frank and Karen met 63 years ago at a high school dance, and she was his whole world ever since. His love for Karen and their family is apparent in every square inch of their home and throughout all of their live adventures, activities, and family trips. His love for travel was shared and enjoyed by his wife, kids, and grandkids. Each trip gave Frank the ability to intertwine his love for history, travel and family by creating unique adventures with those he loved.
A Mass will be celebrated on July 26, 2022, at 10:00 AM in Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Southport, NC. |