WHS graduate was a gifted craftsman, land developer

Published February 17, 2021

ST. AUGUSTINE, FL — Kenneth F. DiRaffael, 80, of St. Augustine, FL and formerly of North Andover, died peacefully on February 15 of complications from Alzheimer’s disease. 

Ken was born in Somerville, MA to the late John H. and Evelyn (Perry) DiRaffaele.  He was a graduate of Wakefield High School (‘59) and an alumnus of Wentworth Institute of Technology, Northeastern University (‘75) and Babson College (MBA, ‘77).  

After many years in the corporate world, Ken decided to follow his passion and start his own business.  A gifted craftsman, Ken became a land developer and also designed and built spec homes throughout northeastern Massachusetts prior to his retirement. 

Ken was a proud supporter of the Special Olympics and other philanthropic organizations. In his free time, he also enjoyed cycling, golfing and trapshooting.  He was an active member of the Massachusetts Amateur Trapshooting Association for many years.  Ken served on the board in 2002, the same year he earned the title of Massachusetts State Trapshooting Championship Trophy Winner – All Around. 

Ken was a loving partner and husband to Karen (Garrity) DiRaffael for 41 years. He was a devoted father to Michelle (DiRaffaele) Hastings and her husband, Will, and Jill DiRaffaele, all of Los Angeles.  Ken was a beloved grandfather to Benjamin Hastings. He was brother to the late Richard DiRaffaele and the late Linda Cerrone, and uncle to Nicholas and Natalie. 

A Celebration of Life service will be held at a future date to be announced. Memorial donations may be made in Ken DiRaffael’s name to The Alzheimer’s Association, Home Office, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601.