"I am fortunate that I got to know Russell through my friendship with Mimi. Russell was one of the nicest people I have ever met. I always looked forward to seeing him and Mimi at races. My heart goes out to all of you who loved him."
In loving memory of
Russell Thomas Raffa
May 9, 1943 - June 20, 2004
Middletown, - Russell Thomas Raffa, 61, of 162 Alston Avenue, Middletown, died Sunday, June 20, 2004 at Charlton Memorial Hospital Fall River, MA.Born in Newport, RI on May 9, 1943, he was the son of Thomas P. Raffa of Middletown, and the late Ruth Patricia Judge Raffa. Mr. Raffa was a graduate of Rogers High School, Class of 1962. He had served as a member of the Rhode Island National Guard, from 1962 until 1968. He had worked at Raytheon Corporation in Portsmouth until he moved to Florida in 1972. From 1972-1976, he was the co-owner of J R Painting Company of Miami, FL and had been the principle painter of the Doral Country Club in Miami, FL. In 1976, Mr. Raffa started his own business in Rhode Island, as a painting contractor, and also worked with his late uncle Anthony Amaral in his Painting firm until 1986. From 1980-1991, he was also the owner and operator of MR Real Estate. Mr. Raffa had spent the winters in Miami, FL, for over the last 25 years. He was an avid bicycler and runner and had traveled the world with his fiance, Mimi Oliveira. Mr. Raffa had participated in many Charity Race events winning numerous awards. He is survived by his father and step mother Roberta Diggles Raffa of Middletown, RI, his fianc Mimi Oliveira of Middletown, RI, two brothers Thomas P. Raffa Jr. and Salvatore T. Raffa both of Newport, RI, and his sister Carol Anderson of Newport, RI.He was the stepson of the late Agnes Fay Bland Raffa. His funeral will be held on Thursday, June 24, 2004, at 2:00PM in First Presbyterian Church, Broadway And Everett, Newport. Cremation will follow at The Atlantic Cremation Service in Portsmouth, RIDonations may be made in his memory to Multiple Sclerosis Society Rhode Island Chapter 205 Hallene Road Suite 209 Warwick, RI 02886 or to the Food Kitchen Ministries % The First Presbyterian Church 6 Everett St. Newport, RI 02840.
Tributes
"Russell, I never saw you without your grin, or your love and kindness. Whenever I would come over to see you, You always offered me a drink and a seat. The last time I saw you, on June 9, we talked and laughed and treated that visit like any other. Had I known it would be our last I would have stayed longer, talked more, and laughed louder. You were always a good friend, and a gentleman. Now that I realize you will always be there watching over me, and Mimi, and all of your friends, I feel much happier. I know that when you departed, that it was a straight shoot through the gates of Heaven. Thank you for always being there for me and my family. Thank you Russell"
"Dear Mimi, I look at this guestbook in disbelief. How can I be extending my sympathy for Russell. The reality of his death has yet to sink in. I loved Russell as we all did and will miss him so much. He added so much to each of our lives. I have sat around a lot these past three weeks thinking about him and all the wonderful times spent with him and you. On my first trip to R.I. for the PMC ride, he was our tour guide. He knew the history of every brick and piece of wood in town. Then there was 9-11. Will I ever forget where I was for that. We had just gotten off the track, and returned to his house when we found out about this awful event. Right away he said, Osama Bin Laden. Our weekend in the Keys for the 7 Mile Bridge Run was memorable. As I snuck up on him during the race with only a half mile to go and announced to him that I was beside him, he shifted his gear to beat me by two seconds. The wonderful dinner we had the night before the race, sitting under the stars, eating dessert, something I never do before a race but I always knew he was a good partner for sweets. I could go on and on but although he is gone, the memories will always be there. I look at his pictures with his beautiful smiles and know that he is watching from above and will be there to take care of you and help to guide all of us to a better life. Celebrate his life and although he left you and this world much too soon, he left doing what he wanted to do without pain or suffering and with a big smile on his face. I love you. gail"
"Russel everyone will miss you. I can never remember a time when you were not smiling. You were a liver of life. You always loved my perfume even at 5:00a.m. I will miss you. Judy Adler"
"Russell, I am probably the last one to sign your guest book. I always hated saying goodbye to you. I hated to see you leave to Newport and now I hate to say goodbye forever. I loved you so much. You were my running partner, my friend and my father. You always had the right words to brighten my day. I will always cherish your memories. Life is different for me now, thanks to you. I've learned how to love, smile and how to be obedient to the Lord just like you were. The Lord has received an elite runner in Heaven. I will run once again with you in Heaven. We will be running partners in the Kingdom of God. I will take care of Mimi, just like you told me when we said goodbye. I will miss you always, Evelyn Combs"
"Russell was a very dear friend to me. The news of his accident devastated me. However, he taught my family and I some very valuable lessons. He taught us how to live life to the fullest, and he taught us the true meaning of friendship. I left RI today to come to Sacramento, California, and my memories of him will live on forever in my heart. July 3, 2004 Kieran Brughelli"
"Mimi & Indy, We are so sorry to hear about Russell. We knew him professionally but definitely considered him a friend."
"I was so shocked and saddened to hear about Russell. He was such a nice person. He and Mimi showed Richard and I such a wonderful time while we were visiting Newport. I'm glad the rest of our family had a chance to meet him when he came to New Mexico. Mimi, my heart and Prayers are with you and I'll be in touch soon."
"I am very sorry to hear about Russell. I will always remember his smile, his comforting words and his knowledgeable perspective on so many things. He was truly a great person and I'm thankful that I was able to meet him. Mimi, if you need anything at all, let me know. Love you."
"My running buddy and special friend Russell. He had the best laugh and greatest smile. A wonderful person and friend to both Rob and I. How grateful we were to have him in our lives. He will be so missed."
"Of all the memories I have of my dear friend, Russell, those I treasure most are that Russell was kind, caring, compassionate, and loving. Of these, the most important is....loving.. Mimi, I shall keep Russell and you in my heart and in my prayers......Love...Joe"
"Dearest Mimi and Russell's family: You have been in our every thought and our prayers since we received word on Sunday. May God hold you in His arms and carry you through this time of sorrow and give you His peace. Loving thoughts and prayers. Beverly and Rodney Spencer"
"I'm glad for the memories I have, particularly cycling, with Russell. I can still see his beautiful smile, hear his laugh and feel his gentle nature. My heartfelt condolences to my friend Mimi and all of his extended family. Russell, Your passing has left a hole here on Earth and I'm sure that it's true that it has filled one in Heaven. May the wind always be at your back; Godspeed Russell."
"Our sincere condolences to Mimi and family. Russell was a very good friend, we shall always remember the moments we shared."
"I enjoyed the few runs I had with you. I'll miss you very much. God Bless You Russ. JOE"
"Mimi, I was caught by surprise with this terrible news today. I'm very sorry and wish you all the best. Domingos Oliveira"
"It has been a pleasure running with Russell and Mimi when they're in Miami for the winter. Russell's sudden passing leaves a gap in the pack, so to speak, and his enthusiasm for early morning runs from Parrot Jungle will be misseed by those who knew the pleasure of his company on such workouts. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Mimi. Please extend my condolences to Russell's family."
"Mimi, words can't express my grief and sadness at Russell's accident. You and his family have my deepest condolences. Russell will truly be missed, not just because he was our official and good natured photographer, but because he was a wonderful person. I will miss him and his smiling face. Please know that I'm here for you if you need me."
"I will always carry warm memories of Russell. His joie de vivre was unbridled and unmatched, except by Mimi's. His beautiful smile and newport accent still ring in my ear. I am sure his heaven is a tropical paradise with sunny days and cool nights, warmed by mojitos and made sweeter with pastelitos de guayaba. May God keep you close Russell and I thank Him, for having met and known you if only for a brief time. Besitos, Yamile"
"What a pleasure to have met Russell. I can still remember his wonderful smile as we celebrated his birthday at "Scotty's Landing" this past May. Mimi told me he is in a beautiful place called Heaven, but he will be missed. My prayers and thoughts are with Russell and with you Mimi. Love, Norma"
"Russell was a really nice person. He was young at heart, good soul and I enjoyed running with him at the track & field workouts."
"WE WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER YOUR SMILE AND LAUGHTER ON THOSE LONG, LONG, SATURDAY RUNS. YOUR FRIENDS WILL MISS YOU GREATLY."
"When there is Love, any life is too short. Russel had a way of making the joys of life contagious. We all appreciated the happiness he willingly shared and inspired. We feel fortunate to have known him. With Love, John & Rosa"
"To Russell's family and my friend Mimi Oliveria, What wonderful times we all shared running and biking together. My heartfelt condolences."
"I really will miss him. He gave me 12+ years of companionship and love. We went on long walks and he took me in his truck wherever he went. It's going to be tough on Mimi, but I'll do the best I can to show her the love and companionship he gave me. "Indy""
"Although Russell is not with us anymore, he will always live on in our hearts and memories. He left a special mark on our lives and the lives of all who met him. Our deepest sympathy to his family and loved ones."
"Russle, I will always remember joking around with you and all the times we made each other laugh. You were a perfect role model for me and I will always remember you as smiling and laughing. I remember the way you were with Indi and how much you loved your dog as a Daughter. I will also always remember how happy you always were with Mimi. You two were so close and you both complimented each other so well. You were such a fun guy and the world has lost a true Gentleman and Friend. I am 100% sure that when you were processing into Heaven that you didn't even have to stand in line. I am sure that you were treated like a V.I.P. and went right on in with a smile on everyones face because you had arrived. I am sure that you are like a Father watching over all of us now in Heaven. I will remember you for the rest of my life and I am sorry I couldn't be there at your funeral. Thank you for being my friend. I was blessed to have know you even if for only a short time. Good Luck to you Russle! Mike Combs, Coral Gables,FL."
"Dear Mimi, Lowell and I enjoyed visiting with you and Russell at the Run for the Roses 5K last month at Markham Park. We are deeply saddened by your loss. Our prayers are with you. Lois and Lowell Anderson"
"Bruce and I send our heartfelt sympathies to Mimi and all who loved Russell. Russell was a warm, friendly man, and although I did not know him very well, I knew that he was what we all call "good people". Everyone at The Runner's High has fond memories of Russell. We will miss him."
"My Mom, Lois Anderson, a running partner of his has spoken only wonderful things about Russell. This is a terrible tragedy and I know my Mom will miss him. I know that she will do her next 5K or marathon in his honor."
"Want to extend to Mimi and Russell's familily my sincere condolences. Russell was very kind, thoughtful and intelligent. My prayers are with you. Love, Cindy"
"Russell was a beautiful person, the kind of man who reflected God's heart in everything he said and did. His love for Mimi was evident whether they were running, relaxing at their home, or attending Sunday morning bible study. I will miss his spiritual insight and his beautiful smile. Mimi, my family will keep you in our prayers."
"We remembered Russell through runnin, birthday celebrations and the Holidy parties at Kathy's house. Even though Russell is physically no longer with us, he will always have a place in our group. Our thoughts and prayers are with Russell's family and Mimi."
"While I never knew Russell, nonetheless, I wish to send my condolences to his family, including Mimi, who is a friend. Please accept my feelings of compassion in this your time of loss. George"
"Condolences to Russells family and Mimi."
"Although Russell is not with us anymore physically, he will live on in our hearts and memories. He left a special mark on our lives and the lives of all who knew him. Our deepest sympathy to his family and Mimi."