Joseph E. Rafalko

Joseph E. Rafalko, 73, of Myrtle Beach, SC, passed away peacefully at Grand Strand Medical Center on March 4, 2025. Born and raised in Stoughton, he was the son of the late Edward P. and Rose A. (McDonald) Rafalko. A lifelong resident of Stoughton until moving to Myrtle Beach six years ago, Joe was a proud graduate of Stoughton High School, Class of 1970, where he excelled in football, hockey, and baseball. He served in the U.S. Army. Joe dedicated 26 years to the Town of Stoughton as a Police Officer before retiring in 2002. He was actively involved in the community as a member of both AMVETS Post 89 and VFW Post 1645 in Stoughton. In his leisure time, he enjoyed camping, hunting, and fishing.

Joe is survived by his wife, Kathryn Rafalko, and his son, Michael J. Rafalko, who resides in Wisconsin. He is also survived by his siblings: Donna Camara and her husband Nestor of Stoughton, Annette Vieira and her late husband Tony Vieira of Stoughton, and the late Patrick Rafalko and Mary Elizabeth Rafalko. He cherished his relationships with his nieces, nephew, and late nephew and his beloved grand-nieces and grand-nephews. He loved hearing about the kids' sports and activities and catching a game whenever he could, offering words of advice and encouragement. He took immense pride in his nephew Steven Camara, who followed in his footsteps as a Stoughton Police Officer, and he shared a special bond with his Goddaughter Kerri Burke.

Visiting hours will take place at Farley Funeral Home, 358 Park St. (Rt. 27) in Stoughton on Saturday, March 15, from 9 to 10 AM, followed by a Funeral Mass at Immaculate Conception Church in Stoughton at 10:30 AM. Interment will follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Stoughton. In lieu of flowers, donations in Joseph's memory may be made to the Stoughton Police Relief Association, 26 Rose Street, Stoughton, MA 02072.