March 29, 2024

Mr. Raffone was our principal at PS 50.  I graduated in 1992, and I can’t tell you what a huge impact he made on all of our lives.  Rain or shine, he’d be outside greeting all of the students.  Always impeccably dressed (and for a then-fifth grader to notice that, you know he looked sharp).  He was such a warm, caring human being that I’m writing this about him over 30 years later.  I’m so happy that we had the blessing of having him as our beloved principal.   Elizabeth Moham

January 19, 2024

May you rest in peace mr. Raffone, i send my condolences to the family. Mr. Raffone was my principal at reynolds. I was actually in the graduation that he bought the gowns for! He was so sweet. We tended to gwt in trouble unfortunately and right before graduation we started a food fight. The teachers and other staff did not want us to attend and was going to be taken away and of course mr. Raffone did not allow that to happen and we got to attend. Ill never forget that you definitly helped alot of us n had our respect from the beginning because you gave that same respect. You were a great man touched alot of hearts. Rip
Stephanie stoops

January 19, 2024

Mr. Raffone,
As a troubled teen you sought out the best of me, forced me to believe in myself throughout my challenges, always supported me, and never gave up on me. You are one of the few that didn’t make me feel like a loss cause.  You made an impact and I’m forever grateful for those school years. 
Thank you.
My deepest sympathy to the family and friends. 
Trevor Kalchick-Hess

January 19, 2024

Dearest Family of Arnie,
You have selected the most amazing photo of Arnie’s face;  He has an incredible smile that shows how much he was filled with the joy of life; a feeling to which I’m sure that all of you were contributors! 
May the spirit of the Lord guide you through your sorrow; for a person like Arnie, as many have witnessed, who consoled so many others, will at times, leave you with a tremendous feeling of loss; one that cannot be replaced.
Barbara Abbott Nippes, New Jersey 
 
Barbara Abbott Nippes

January 19, 2024

I had the great fortune to work under Mr. Raffone in my first year as a teacher. I’m certain that without his wisdom, kindness and patience I wouldn’t be the teacher I am today. Even though only working with Mr. Raffone for one of sixteen years I’ve heard his name comes up whenever staff members bring up “old times”. And every single time, to a person, he is held in the highest regard. That cannot be said of many in any field of work. My sincere condolences to his family and friends. 

Kris Blair

January 18, 2024

I grew up with Arnie. I guess you could say we were close from toddlers and all the way through high school. After that we stayed in touch but not as often. We married and led different lives. I should have tried to stay in contact with him, but I did’nt. I am sorry for that. I’ll regret that for the rest of my life. Arnie was a great person who cared greatly about people. He was one of the best people I’ ve ever known. He will always be in my prayers. My deepest condolences to Linda and the rest of the family.
Anthony J Raffone

January 18, 2024

Our condolences to the family. May the good lord guide you through your mourning. Sending hugs, love and prayers….the Cruz family.
Alex Cruz

January 18, 2024

I was a second-year teacher when Arnie came to Reynolds Middle School as principal. He helped me see my potential and made me feel confident as a teacher. He was a true leader–a rarity in any field. He led by trusting his staff and giving us the autonomy to make decisions that benefitted our students. The world needs more people like Arnold Raffone. He will be missed.
Brenda Morales

January 18, 2024

To Sir, With Love
 
This man carried so many, and I consider him one of the greatest mentors I was so lucky to have cross my way.  He had an exceptional way of seeing people, and helping them become their best versions of themselves.  His observation notes were meticulous, but uplifting.  He was a teacher’s teacher: he knew exceptional teaching, and how to see kids (and teachers) for who they are, and who they could be.  His zest of life filled every building he walked into.  Honestly, I’ve never met a person who could so naturally inspire so many.
 
I can’t tell you how many times I exclaimed “OH NO!!!!,” or how many times I felt heartened to see his mannerisms captured so poignantly in this moving obituary.
 
Mr. Raffone, Sir, thank you for seeing me, and encouraging me to become the best I could be.  You impacted so many lives in your extraordinary life, and I am forever grateful to be counted as one of them.
To Sir With Love Indeed
Thank you Mr. Raffone
I still have your observations from my classroom in 2008-09.
Humbly, 
Matt Coonan
McCaskey High School English teacher

Matt Coonan

January 17, 2024

Dear family, I have such great memories of Mr. Raffone. I attended Egbert Junior High in the early 70’s . I was a cheerleader while Mr. Raffone coached basketball. He was so dedicated. One of you were born during a game. He took the phone call, came back smiling ear to ear and continued coaching. He was also my Social Studies teacher. It wasnt my best subject but he took the time to give me a pep talk and encourage me. As I began to do better, he praised me. He was also my guidance counselor. A couple of times I found myself in some trouble. He called me into his office without judgement or punishment and talked to me kindly and showed me how to continue in a better direction. I can truly say that he made a huge difference in my life. If all educators were like him, we would be living in a much better world. I only wish that I had the chance to thank him in person. God bless you during this time. I currently live in Tennessee or I would be there. I will keep you in my prayers. Sincerely, Theresa Marino 

January 17, 2024

Dear Arnie I hope you know how much you were loved. I have known you since I’m 15 when u became part of our family. I have so many precious memories of you-and u meant so much to all of us. I will miss you for the rest of my life ,my dear brother in law. So long for now w love and gratitude until we meet again.

Lesley Hessert

January 17, 2024

He was one of my most powerful mentors in this leadership journey! His wisdom is second to none. Thank you Mr. Raffone, I stand on your shoulders to continue to do the most important work, serving our young people.

Danielle

January 17, 2024

As a former student of Egbert (1970-1973) I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Raffone. I just spoke of him last week, recalling a weekly meeting he founded, I believe it was called the Rap Group. A place where you can speak freely and never be judged. Mr. Raffone will always be part of my wonderful memories of Egbert and will be remembered for his warmth, kindness and caring ways. My sincere condolences to the family.

DS

January 16, 2024

Arnie was a very caring man.  I will always be grateful to Arnie for helping my nephew fulfill his lifelong dream of becoming a history teacher.
May fond memories sustain Linda and her family at this time of sorrow.  Keeping them in my thoughts and prayers.
Elaine Long
 

January 16, 2024

I am so sorry to hear about husbands passing.  May he Rest in Peace.  
Joan Florkiewicz-Parsons

January 16, 2024

My condolences to the Raffone family, I’m honored to know Mr Raffone , he was a mentor, teacher , supervisor, and friend. I worked at Egbert middle school with him when I first started working for UAU . His son David was a little kid ,and always there playing with the other kids. He was so proud of him, he was a very talented kid who idolized his father. God bless Mr Raffone he gave his all to our Staten Island community for so many years! I saluted him, and thank you for being apart of my upbringing! Because he made a difference in so many lives not just mine! RIP
Gerry Mosley

January 16, 2024

Arnie was one of the most amazing educators I ever worked with in the School District of Lancaster. He was highly motivating, and I felt as though I got better at what I was doing just by working side by side with him. He loved what he was doing and who he was doing it for. We were truly fortunate to have him in the ranks. He will be missed. My condolences go out to his family. 
Mary Forster

January 16, 2024

My heartfelt sympathy goes to all who loved Arnie.  I remember many happy moments when we were children.  I remember walking Dianne & Arnie to school each morning before I went to High School.  So glad that I got to see him again at my birthday party.  He was a light in my life and that of my children.  Go with God. Aunt Lori

January 16, 2024

A fine and extremly capable man. May he rest in peace 
Jeanette Taono 

January 16, 2024

So sorry for your loss. Arnold was such an amazing man. R.I.P. my dear cousin. 
Joanne Gassera

January 15, 2024

I can not express how much Mr Raffone meant to me. He saw talent in me that I never saw in myself. I can not thank him enough for his belief that I could be more then I every dreamed. My deepest condolences to the Raffone family❤️❤️❤️ Mr. Raffone will always be remembered, loved, and respected. I just thank him for the love and kindness he always showed me. Love Ty Bair

January 15, 2024

Arnie, you were such a caring person. You gave love to everyone that had the pleasure of knowing you. I miss you more than most would known
Helene Goretsky

January 15, 2024

Many times you hear people say they had a mentor to help them grow in their careers. I hope one day my own children are fortunate enough to be blessed with a mentor like the one I had. Mr Raffone disregarded the fact that I had ZERO background in teaching and put his heart and soul into helping me become the friend, the coach, the teacher, the administrator, and the father I am today. I often stood off to the side in amazement and  watched him lead staff and build bridges with the community to make sure the kids in his school had the best of everything and if that wasn’t enough he extended his commitment to his staff so they can be the best role models for the kids in our school. Last week when he told me he was sick I was hoping to see him one more time to thank him and share personal stories about my own children but unfortunately time was not on our side so I will use this message to let his loved ones know his legacy will always be a part of me and my children. Thank you for sacrificing your time with him so he can do so much to help others. I will miss this special man. God Bless the Raffone Family.  Joe Mennella

January 15, 2024

I have fond memories of “Mr. Raff” from the Egbert Night Center so many years ago.  We spent many nights there playing basketball and other activities.  There was never an incident because Mr. Raff made it clear if you made any trouble you would not be allowed to return.  Mr. Raff thank you for the good times and great memories.  May your soul rest in eternal peace. 
Michael Ryan

January 15, 2024

I was beyond Blessed to start my career with Arnie as my first Principal 25 years ago.   He was a gentleman who treated his staff like Family♥️….with Respect, Kindness & Compassion. We are all better people and better teachers for knowing him.  His leadership molded us into loving, compassionate individuals who are dedicated role models.  
I can’t say that about many bosses. 
Arnie… I will Always fondly remember you with love in my ♥️  I hope we made you proud! 
Thank you for all you did for us!
🕊️ Rest in Paradise 🕊️💙🙏🏼
Deanna Brusco

January 15, 2024

Dear Linda and family 
Please accept our deepest condolences for your great loss.
John and Kim Jastremski and family

January 15, 2024

Mr. Raffone was my history teacher at Egbert junior high school. He also coached my brother Donald in basketball. He became a member of our family right after that. He was one of the greatest men I know and I’m so glad I became friends with his daughter on Facebook so I could see pictures of him. My heart is broken since I heard of his passing but I’m glad he isn’t suffering because he’s the last person to deserve that. Quick little bit. When he had his son my dad asked him if he named him Mike. Get it lol. I  send my deepest condolences from myself and my brothers.
Donna Labetti Albanese

January 15, 2024

Sending love and our condolences to the entire Raffone family at this difficult time. Know that he was loved by us all and had an impact on so many lives. His memory will live on in our hearts forever. May he rest in eternal peace🙏🏻
Barry, Susan, Carissa and Kyra Canovas