William Joseph Raftery, III, passed away peacefully on the morning of June 21, 2024 after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease. He was 78 years old. "Billy" as he was known, is predeceased by just five days by his only brother and fellow firefighter, Chief Daniel Raftery of the Greenville Fire District.

Billy served the Hartsdale Fire District for 34 years, joining the department in 1971, and ultimately retiring as a Deputy Chief in 2005 and relocating to Chesapeake, Virginia to be near his expanding family.

A wake was held on Wednesday, June 26th, from 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm at Altmeyer Funeral Home, 5033 Rouse Drive, Virginia Beach. A funeral service will take place on Thursday, June 27th at 10:00 am, also at Altmeyer Funeral Home.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Raftery Family during this difficult time.

Rest in Peace... God Bless.