George Arthur Rafuse, 81 years young, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at Legacy Village Nursing Home in Murrell’s Inlet, South Carolina, with his beloved wife and children by his side.

Born on April 2, 1944, in Walpole, Massachusetts, George was the cherished son of Ruth Bennett and George A. Rafuse, Sr. He was raised by his mother Ruth and his stepfather, Mario Albert Boragine, Jr.

George graduated from Walpole High School in 1962, where he proudly played on the varsity baseball and basketball teams. He worked as a cook at The Pancake Man on Route 1 to support himself through college, eventually graduating from Bentley College in 1966 with a degree in Accounting. A Dean’s List student, George also enjoyed playing intramural softball during his college years.

His professional journey began at Pratt & Whitney Aircraft in Connecticut, but it was in the paper industry where George found his true career home. He worked at Pejepscot Mills in Brunswick, Maine, and later joined Boise Cascade, where he spent the majority of his professional life. George cherished his time at "Boise" and often shared stories from work and his beloved after-work softball beer league. He especially took pride in manning third base.

George met the love of his life, Elizabeth “Betty” Ann McCarthy, while she was walking to school. They were married on June 3, 1967, at Blessed Sacrament in Walpole, Massachusetts, and went on to build a beautiful life together for 58 years.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Betty; their two sons, Matthew Sean Rafuse and his wife Julie of Rye, NH, and Timothy Paul Rafuse and his girlfriend Crystal Schafer of Jacksonville, NC. George was a proud and loving grandfather to three granddaughters: Mia and Emma Rafuse of Littleton, NH, and Juliette Rafuse of Manhasset, NY, who were truly the light of his life. He also leaves behind his brothers, Albert “Al” Boragine of Magalloway, ME, and Bruce Boragine of Taunton, MA; and his cousin, Theodore Wong of Sherburne, MA. He was predeceased by many friends and family.  But most notably his dear cousin, Jackie Wunschel of S. Yarmouth, MA.

George loved spending time with his family.  Boating, traveling, and taking in nature were among his favorite things.  He especially enjoyed cheering on his sons in sports and delighting in his granddaughters' achievements. He had a brilliant mind for puzzles—crossword and Sudoku alike—and completed them at lightning speed without the help of a dictionary. At home, his loyal dogs—Monty, Shammy, and Moxie—were never far from his side or his lap.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, August 10 at 1 p.m. at Woodlake Village Clubhouse, Murrell’s Inlet, SC. All friends of the Rafuse family are welcome to attend and share in honoring George’s life.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the Koel, Stell and St. Pierre families for their unwavering friendship and support during the past several years of George’s battle with dementia.

George Arthur Rafuse will be remembered for his sharp wit, quiet strength, and deep devotion to his family. His legacy lives on in the stories he told, the love he gave, and the lives he touched.