VICTOR W. RAFFAY

Victor Walter Raffay

Victor Walter Raffay, 64, of Parma Heights, Ohio, passed away on Sunday, June 14, 2026.

Born and raised in Parma Heights, Vic was the beloved son of Victor E. Raffay and Margaret Snow Raffay. He was preceded in death by his cherished wife, Jeannette (“Rico”), who passed on March 12, 2025. He was also preceded in death by his brothers-in-law, John V. Stupka and Robert “Coop” Cooperrider.

Vic is survived by his loving sisters, Lynda Cooperrider; Judy (Robert) Mustee; and Pat Stupka. He was a devoted and proud uncle to his nieces and nephews: Bill (Cheryle) Strother, Rebecca (Nate) Mugford, Matthew Strother, Laura (Brian) Mustee Hendricks, and Brian (Emily) Mustee. He was also a beloved great-uncle to Joseph, Paxton, Steven, Matthew and Aidan Strother; Jack and Claire Barney; Katelyn and Brayden Mugford; and Harrison and Evie Hendricks. He held a special place as Godfather to Rebecca Mugford and Matthew Strother.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Walter B. and Della M. (Spohn) Snow, and Victor E. Raffay Sr. and Rose (Fulaytor) Raffay.

Vic graduated from Valley Forge High School and retired from Ford Motor Company. A devoted Catholic, he remained committed to his faith throughout his life.

Vic had a lifelong love of the outdoors. He began hunting at just six years old alongside his dad and Pop Snow, a tradition that became a deep and lasting passion. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, finding peace and joy in nature.

He was also a true sports junkie, faithfully cheering on his Cleveland Browns, Cavaliers, and Indians. In his younger years, he was an exceptional athlete, excelling in both football and baseball, and he continued playing baseball well into adulthood.

Vic loved Christmas and embraced the joy of the season wholeheartedly, decorating every room of his home and his yard with care and enthusiasm, creating a space that reflected his warmth and spirit.

As a child, Vic shared a special closeness with his grandmother, Gram Snow, and grew up surrounded by cousins who were more like siblings. Those bonds remained an important part of his life.

Above all, Vic will be remembered for his gentle spirit and kind heart. He loved deeply—his family, his friends, and especially his nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews, who brought him so much happiness. He was known for his quiet kindness, along with a bit of stubbornness that those who loved him understood and cherished.

With deep respect for his family’s legacy of service, Vic was a proud supporter of Blue Lives Matter, honoring the memory of his Uncle Bob, who gave his life in the line of duty as a police officer.

In one of his final conversations, Vic spoke with his sister on Saturday afternoon and ended his conversation by saying, “I love all of you—you are all so good to me.” Those words reflect the love he carried throughout his life and leave a lasting memory for all who knew him. We will hold those words close and carry his love with us in our hearts for the rest of our lives.

Vic will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, June 17, 2026 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at THE RIPEPI FUNERAL HOME, 5762 PEARL RD. (AT SNOW RD.). A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, June 18, 2026 at 10 a.m. at St. John Bosco Church, 6480 Pearl Rd., Parma Heights. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Andrew’s Abbey, 10510 Buckeye Rd, Cleveland, OH 44104, or St. John Bosco Church, 6480 Pearl Rd., Parma Heights, OH 44130.