John Eugene Raffaele

John Eugene Raffaele of Cadillac passed away August 16, 2025. He fought and won courageous battles with pancreatic and lung cancer. He was currently in round two with lung cancer. John was 77. John lived a full and vibrant life devoted to all that he did. He was a paradox in the best sense of the word. He appreciated the finer things in life, but was most comfortable with the basics. In business he was fiercely pragmatic, known for his unyielding principles, sharp mind, and meticulous planning; yet beyond the boardroom, his adventurous spirit was boundless – skiing, hockey, hunting, camping, mountain biking, and immersing himself in the outdoors. Paradox was not conflict within John, but completeness.He was a quietly generous man with both time and resources, always desiring to help others. He had lifelong faith in God, but it grew in later years and he began passionately pursuing a deeper understanding. The trials he faced did not make him question that faith, but rather embrace it. John was humble about his accomplishments, except as a father. He was convinced that of all else he did, God placed him on this earth to be a father. His three sons truly were his life, and part of him was lost with the loss of his son Chase. John was born April 23, 1948, in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, to Eugene Paul and Aili Mary (Huhtala) Raffaele. He was proud of his Italian and Finnish heritage. In 1986 he married Terri Voorhees, the love of his life. His devotion to Terri and his sons reflected his character – committed, steadfast, and generous. In 1972 he graduated from Aquinas College with a degree in Business Administration, and he later did graduate work at Roosevelt University in Chicago. John spent the first eleven years of his career with Brunswick Corporation. In 1978 he accepted a position with Cadillac Rubber & Plastics as Controller, later becoming the CFO, Board Member, and ultimately an owner. In 1989 he negotiated the sale of Cadillac Rubber & Plastics to Avon Tire & Rubber of Bath, England. At the time of sale, the company employed 2,000 people and operated out of seven locations. John went on to own various small businesses, from furniture manufacturing to food and hotel franchises. He also served a year as General Manager for the Sault Eagles Junior A Hockey Team. After retiring John made significant contributions to the community, serving as a board member for the YMCA, Mercy Hospital, Industrial Development, OASIS, and many others, as well as consulting on local businesses, helping to plan and fund the county’s first indoor ice rink, and later voluntarily managing The WexCivic Center for a year. John was also a founding member of the Cadillac Area Community Foundation. He is survived by his wife Terri; a brother Ron (Bonnie) Raffaele of Sault Ste. Marie; sons: Jason (Chris), Brock (Natalie), daughter-in-law Mallory Raffaele; brothers-in-laws Bill (Linda) and Jim Voorhees, sister-in-law Julie (Rush) Clement; grandchildren Aidan, Brinley, and Callan Raffaele, and many very special nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his beloved son Chase, parents Eugene and Aili, Paul Allen, brother Rick Allen. Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM Friday, August 22, 2025 at the First Baptist Church of Cadillac with Pastors Chad Zaucha and Dave McMahon officiating. Burial will be at Maple Hill Cemetery in Cadillac. Visitation will be Thursday from 4-6 PM at Peterson Funeral & Cremation Services in Cadillac. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cadillac Area Hockey Association, First Baptist Church, or Life Resources of Northern Michigan. An online guestbook is available at www.petersonfh.com.

John Eugene Raffaele

April 23, 1948 - August 16, 2025