Gaetana Raffa

Gaetana Raffa
1930 -2026

Gaetana Raffa, 95, of Longbeach NY, passed away peacefully in the early morning of Jan 26, 2026. She will be remembered for her nurturing and loving nature. She was the ultimate mother and grandmother.

Gaetana was the wife of the late Giuseppe Raffa. She has 2 daughters, Marie and Doreen, along with 4 grandchildren, the late Joseph, Philip, Tana, and Gina. Gaetana also has 2 great grandchildren, Bambi Ann and Tatiana

Gaetana was born in Catania, Sicily and was orphaned at the age of 2. She was raised by loving grandparents until the age of 5 when she entered a convent orphanage. Separated from her sister Concetta and her brother Giuseppe, she bravely survived WWII. She came to the US with her sister at the age of 19. She often said that her life began in America. She worked very hard and raised her family. She was spunky, active and outspoken. But she was very accepting of everyone. Her love shined through. She was a very social person and Family was her everything.

Gaetana will be missed greatly by everyone she touched. Always young at heart, always fashionable and clean. Gaetana was the strongest woman we know.

Fly with the angels!