Joseph Patrick Rafter, 80 years old, a lifelong resident of Hoboken, an educator and an activist, died on Sunday, January 25th, after a valiant fight with Alzheimer’s disease.

Joe was the son of Catherine and John Rafter. He attended Our Lady of Grace Grammar School as his father and brother, John, had done before him. He was a proud graduate of St.. Peter’s Prep and Fairfield University where he received his BA in psychology.  Following graduation he married his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Joan (nee Aluotto). They spent two years working as PeaceCorps volunteers in Brazil and traveling widely through South America. 

Back home, Joe earned a Masters in Education from Fordham University, a Masters in Psychology from The New School for Social Research, and a PHD from NYU in Psychology. Joe was a dedicated educator. He taught students of all ages, beginning with young children in the South Bronx, then Queens, NY where he taught middle school for 30 years, and finally at New York University where he mentored aspiring young teachers.

His commitment to education went beyond the classroom serving the children of Hoboken, first as a community activist involved in education reform movements and later as the president of the Hoboken Board of Education. 

Throughout his life Joe was a dedicated family man. He loved camping, reading, watching movies, listening to music, and traveling with his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed spending time at the Jersey shore, in the Catskills, and around the world with his family and friends.

Joe is survived by his wife Joan, his son Brendan and his wife Angel, daughter Casey and her husband Martin, and grandchildren, Logan, Jack, Alonso, Jeremy, and Jocelyn.

A celebration of Joseph’s life will be held on Saturday January 31, 2026 from 1pm to 5pm at the Failla-McKnight Memorial Home, 533 Willow Avenue, Hoboken. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Joseph’s memory to the Hoboken Shelter, the Hoboken Public Library, or the Alzheimer’s Association.