Norbert Rafter Jr.

CWO 5(Ret) Norbert J Rafter Jr - US Army retired.

Rutland -

Norbert J Rafter Jr., Died peacefully due to Pancreatic Cancer on September 1, 2026 with his wife of 27 years, Patricia Casey-Rafter by his side.

Norbert was born August 31, 1947 in Niagara Falls, New York, the oldest son to Norbert J Rafter and Helen Gienis. His early childhood was spent in the Niagara Falls and Lewiston, NY area. In 1961, he moved with his parents to Rutland, VT. He graduated from Mount Saint Joseph Academy in 1965 and Southern Vermont College in 1967 with an Associate Degree in Business Management.

Norbert is survived by his wife, Patricia Casey-Rafter and son Daniel Rafter of West Rutland. Eldest son, Ryan (Nicole) Rafter of California; First born child, Tracy Townsend and grandsons Bradley Day and Liam Townsend. Norbert is also survived by his two younger brothers: Patrick (Maureen) Rafter of Ohio and Terence (Maggie) Rafter of Proctor, VT.

Norb was inducted in the US Army on July 17, 1967. After initial training he served 1968-1969 with the 155th Assault Helicopter Company, 1st Aviation Brigade, Republic of Vietnam. In 1970 he was honorably discharged and returned home to Vermont to start a family, continue his college education at Castleton State and support his family as an employee of General Electric in Rutland, VT.

In 1972 he enlisted in the 2nd Battalion, 172 Armor, Vermont Army National Guard in Rutland as a traditional guardsman. In 1974 Norb received a direct appointment as a commissioned Warrant Officer. Then in September, 1977 he accepted a position as National Guard Military Technician - a career that would last the next 30 years.

In 1986, Norb was transferred from Rutland to the Vermont Guard State Headquarters, Camp Johnson, Colchester, VT as the USPFO Warehouse Supervisor. From 1992 to 2003 he was the Post Logistical Officer at Ethan Allen Training Site, Jericho, VT. Norb held several positions at the training site during his time there ending with the duty of Plans, Training and Mobilization Officer.

September 3, 1999 Norb married his second wife, Patricia and resided in Burlington, VT for the next 15 years. In 2014, Norb and Trish and son, Daniel relocated to Rutland, VT.

During Norb’s guard career he had several special active duty assignments to include: National Guard Special Project Officer; HQ USAREUR/7A, Heidelberg, Germany(1994); and NORTHCOM, Joint Task Force Winter Freeze as the J4 Logistics Officer(2004).

In October 1996 he was promoted to Chief Warrant Officer 5, and in October 2003 was selected by the Adjutant General to the position of Command Chief Warrant Officer for the Vermont Army Guard, a position he held until he retired in September 2007.

During his 37 year military career, Norb earned many decorations and awards. The most notable of these were: Legion of Merit; Meritorious Service Medal with 2 oak clusters; Joint Service Achievement Medal; Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Medal with 1 service star; Vietnam Service Medal; Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with 3 service stars; Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry and the Distinguished Order of Saint Martin.

In 2009, during the activation of the Vermont Army National Guard’s 86th Brigade, Norb returned to work as a civilian Logistical Management Analyst for the USPFO at the Guard State Headquarters until the deactivation of the Brigade in 2011.

Norb was a member of American Legion Post 31 for 50 years; Life Member of VFW Post 648; Life Member Italian Aid Society; Member at Proctor-Pittsford Country Club since 1979 and former member of the Williston Golf Club.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to the charity of your selection in Norbert’s name. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10AM Thursday Sept 10, 2026 at Christ the King Church, Rutland, VT. Burial will follow the funeral mass at Saint Stanislaus Kostka Cemetery, Route 4A, West Rutland, VT. There will be no visitation at Norbert’s request. Funeral Arrangements completed by Clifford Funeral Home, Rutland, VT.