Rodney L. Draffen, 73, of New Bedford, died February 25, 2018 at home. He was the husband of Cheryl A. (Texiera) Draffen and the son of the late Lewis I. and Elizabeth M. (Moore) Draffen.
He was born in Boston and grew up in Roxbury. He then lived in Marion before moving to New Bedford 30 years ago.
Mr. Draffen was a Vietnam Veteran serving in the United States Army as a Green Beret.
Mr. Draffen worked as a Carpenter in the area for many years.
He enjoyed going to Military Reunions and the Airborne Reunion in Onset. He was an avid fisherman.
Survivors include his wife, Cheryl A. (Texiera) Draffen of Fall River; 2 sons, Corey Draffen of Stoughton and Michael Patterson of Boston; 3 daughters, Nicole Patterson, Kim Paterson and Denitra Patterson all of Boston; a sister, Georgianna Bittle of Brockton; a granddaughter, Mariah Draffen. He was the brother of the late Ballin Draffen.
Visiting hours are from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm on Friday, March 2, 2018 at the Chapman, Cole & Gleason Funeral Home, 2599 Cranberry Hwy., Wareham, followed by a funeral service at 12:30 pm at the funeral home.
Burial will be in the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Vietnam Veterans of America, 8719 Colesville Rd., Suite 100, Silver Springs, MD 20910.
