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Bernard F. Rafferty, 87, Phila. school official

Bernard F. Rafferty, 87, of Warrington, a teacher who rose to become an associate superintendent of the Philadelphia School District, died Thursday, Feb. 12, of complications from a stroke at Neshaminy Manor.

Bernard F. Rafferty
Bernard F. RaffertyRead more

Bernard F. Rafferty, 87, of Warrington, a teacher who rose to become an associate superintendent of the Philadelphia School District, died Thursday, Feb. 12, of complications from a stroke at Neshaminy Manor.

Dr. Rafferty's career with the city's schools spanned four decades starting in 1949, when he signed on as a teacher at McKean Elementary School.

In the early 1950s, he taught social studies at Bartlett Junior High School, where he was promoted to vice principal. He went on to become principal of Stanton Elementary School and then Harding Junior High School, Daniel Boone Remedial Disciplinary School, and Lincoln High School.

Dr. Rafferty was an adjunct professor of educational administration at Temple University and over time developed an expertise in special education.

In 1975, he was promoted associate superintendent for external operations for the district. In that role, he oversaw all programs and services provided to K-12 students with disabilities, and also career and vocational education programs for high school students. Part of his job was to ensure that operating procedures complied with state and federal regulations.

In the late 1980s, he oversaw a massive asbestos-abatement program in 400 district buildings, 291 of them schools. The program became a model for the nation; Dr. Rafferty acted as a peer reviewer for Environmental Protection Agency handbooks, and after retiring, became a consultant to other school districts.

"It was a lot of painstaking detail," said his daughter Mary Rafferty. "He did it, and did it well."

Throughout his tenure, Dr. Rafferty mentored teachers aspiring to be administrators, and administrators seeking advancement.

"He coached them through study groups and remained a mentor to them as they continued their careers both in the school district, and beyond," his family said in a statement.

A native of Southwest Philadelphia, he graduated from John Bartram High School in 1944 and enlisted in the American Merchant Marine during World War II. After the war, he entered La Salle College planning to become a lawyer, but a La Salle Christian Brother steered him toward education. He earned a master's degree from the University of Pennsylvania and a doctorate from Temple University.

As a first-generation Irish American, he was active in the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, the Irish Society, Emerald Society, and the Bucks County Irish Center.

He was active in the Rotary Club of Philadelphia and Rotary Club of Northeast Philadelphia, where he served as president.

Dr. Rafferty was an enthusiastic Philadelphia sports fan, an avid reader, and a traveler. He enjoyed entertaining at the Jersey Shore.

Dr. Rafferty is survived by his wife, Alyce Fischer Rafferty. His first wife, Mary McDermott Rafferty, died in 1982.

Besides his wife and daughter, he is survived by another daughter, Bonnie Koerner; stepchildren Elizabeth Austin, Nicholas, Joseph, Mark, and Andrew Fischer, Mary Alyce Driver, and Theresa Stumpo; 15 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Another son, Michael F. Rafferty, died in 2012.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 19, at St. Cyril of Jerusalem Church, 1410 Almshouse Rd., Jamison, Pa., 18929. Friends may call starting at 10:30. Burial will be at 1:30 p.m. in Washington Crossing National Cemetery, Newtown.

Contributions may be sent to Neshaminy Manor, 1660 Easton Rd., Warrington, Pa. 18976, or to St. Cyril of Jerusalem Church at the address above.