Salvatore T. Rafala

Salvatore T. Rafala, 90, of the Plantsville section of Southington, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Tuesday, April 25, 2023. Salvatore was the loving husband of Nancy (Button) Rafala for 63 years.

Salvatore was born in Middletown on August 16, 1932, to the late Salvatore and Josephine (Camillo) Rafala. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. Sal retired from Pratt & Whitney after 30 years of service. He also worked as a barber at the Family Barber Shop in Plainville for many years. Sal enjoyed operating his ham radio, gardening and traveling with his wife Nancy. He was an avid musician and played guitar and piano.  His love for music rubbed off on his grandchildren and his passion was watching them perform. Most of all, he was a loving husband and proud father and grandfather.

In addition to his wife Nancy, Sal is survived by his 4 sons; Gary Rafala and wife Cindy of Culpeper, VA, Michael Rafala and wife Karen of Catonsville, MD, Gregory Rafala and wife Wendy of Southington, CT and Mark Rafala of Dawsonville, GA; 10 grandchildren: Brittney, Amanda, Alexander, Emily, Nathan, Nicholas, Daniel, Elizabeth, Jennifer and Timothy and many nieces and nephews. Salvatore was predeceased by 2 sisters; Mary Misenti and Gloria Clark.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Sal’s memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741 (www.cancer.org).

Funeral services will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 2, 2023 from the Plantsville Funeral Home, 975 S. Main St., Plantsville with a 10:00 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Aloysius Church, 254 Burritt St., Plantsville. Burial with military honors will follow in St. Thomas Cemetery, Southington. Calling hours will be held on Monday, May 1, 2023 from 5 – 7 p.m. at the Plantsville Funeral Home. For online condolences and directions, please visit www.plantsvillefuneralhome.com.