Edward L.(Coach) Rafferty, Jr., 60, of Allentown, died Friday, April 11, 2008 in his home.

Born in New York City, NY, on October 8, 1947, Edward was the first born and only son of Christine M. (Marshall) Rafferty and the late Edward L. Rafferty, Sr. Active in youth sports, Edward was an assistant coach in his parish, St. Joseph the Worker Sports Program in Orefield and Holy Cross High School in New York City before moving with his family to Pennsylvania. Most importantly, to those fortunate enough to have known and loved him, Edward will be remembered as a gentle, loving and brave man who faced and overcame a lifetime of challenges and adversity with great humor and dignity.

Survivors: In addition to his mother, Christine; sisters, Maureen E. Rafferty-Kist and her husband John with whom he resided and Christine R. Hamill and her husband John of Allentown; nieces and goddaughter Cristin, Molly and Caitlin and husband Tim Reyes. Coach Ed will also be missed by his long time girlfriend, Eileen Bracken, and numerous relatives and friends.

Services: Mass of a Christian Burial will take place at 11:00 a.m. Monday, April 14, 2008 at St. Joseph the Worker Roman Catholic Church, 1879 Applewood Drive, Orefield with the Rev. Msgr. Robert J. Wargo, Celebrant. Family and friends may call 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. Sunday in the Heintzelman Funeral Home, Inc., 4906 Route 309, Schnecksville. Private inurnment at Resurrection Cemetery, Wescosville.

Contributions: In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph the Worker Roman Catholic Church (Sports Programs) c/o the funeral home, P.O. Box # 196, Schnecksville, PA 18078-0196.