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Andrew Rafus Jr., known affectionately as Andy, passed away on October 20, 2026, in Morgantown, West Virginia, the same community where he was born on January 30, 1936.
Andy lived a long and steady life marked by hard work, devotion to family, and quiet faith. He was born in Morgantown to Andrew and Veronika Kendrala Rafus and was raised with the values of responsibility, humility, and perseverance that guided him throughout his life. He attended St. Francis Catholic School for all of his education, and that foundation remained an important part of who he was.
Andy served his country as a veteran of the Army Reserve. He later built a respected career as a carpenter, and his work reflected the care and skill that came to define him. He also worked at Bell's Wholesale and at the local power plants doing construction, where he was known for his dependable nature and strong work ethic. In 1978, Andy proudly built a home for his wife and his daughter, where he remained until his passing. Those who knew him understood that he took pride in doing a job well and in being someone others could count on.
Faith was an important part of Andy's life, and he was a member of St. Francis Catholic Church. His church community was one of the places where his steady presence and kind spirit were felt. He lived his life with a quiet strength that touched those around him, and he will be remembered for the sincerity and goodness he brought to everyday moments.
Andy especially loved working in his yard and spending time on his mower. These simple pleasures brought him joy and reflected the satisfaction he found in caring for his home and surroundings. He appreciated routine, hard work, and the comfort of familiar places, and he found happiness in the life he built in Morgantown.
He is survived by his daughter, Andrea "Michele" Rafus; his grandchild, Tobias Fleece; his sister, Amelia Frances Raven; and his loving extended family, including Donna Jean Mechant and Katie Kennell. He is also remembered by his brother-in-law, Joe Farace. He was preceded in death by his wife, Dolores Jean Rafus; his parents, Andrew and Veronika Kendrala Rafus; his sisters, Catherine Dwyer, Josephine Humphreys, Mary McCrohan, Anna Steiner, Victoria Marsack, and Anges Babich; and his brothers, Franklin Rafus, William Rafus, Joseph Rafus.
In lieu of flowers, the family ask that donations be made in Andy's honor to St. Ursula's Food Pantry.
Friends may call at St. Francis De Sales Catholic Church on Monday, October 26, 2026, from 10:00 am until the 11:00 am Mass of Christian Burial with Monsignor Anthony Cincinnati as celebrant. Entombment will follow at St. Mary’s Peace Mausoleum. Online condolences may be extended to the family at www.McCulla.com