Grant Thomas Rafferty
October 14, 1996 ~ August 28, 2024
Grant Thomas Rafferty
October 14, 1996 – August 28, 2024
Grant Thomas Rafferty, 27, unexpectedly passed away on August 28 while at home with his beloved golden retrievers, Bentley & Audi.
He was a graduate of St. Barnabas Catholic School, Center Grove High School (2015) and IUPUI. Grant was a member of show choir and a talented pianist playing at mass starting in the 7 th grade and show choir throughout high school.
His love of cars, boats and helping people, along with a natural sales ability, took him to CarMax while in college and then to the Marine Center of Indiana boat dealership. There, he started in marketing, advanced to sales, then finance, and then appointed General Manager in 2023. Grant was a true leader to those who worked with him and he loved his career and those who supported him. His hard work truly led to success at a young age.
Grant was surrounded by family that loves and cherishes him. Parents, Kristin (Kris, as he liked to joke) Rafferty-Burdine (Tim Burdine) and Pat Rafferty (Susie). His favorite person in the world, Papa (grandfather, Jim Kirschner), and grandmother, Sue Kirschner. His precious sisters who admired and leaned on him, Mara, Chloe and Kelsey Burdine. Brother, Tyler Burdine, uncle, Kevin Kirschner, and cousins, Caroline, Colin and Aiden Kirschner. Grant is preceded in death by his Grandmothers: Vicki Kirschner (Mimi),Bonnie Feigert and Grandfather, Michael Rafferty.
Grant was an old soul, mature at a young age and even the ultimate negotiator starting even in kindergarten, ambitious, smart, and driven to be successful. He had a passion for cars and buying and trading them, always working a deal, probably owning over 30 cars since he was 16.
His favorite place on earth was Geist Reservoir at his Papa’s house. The boat captain at 14 he loved to drive family and friends and relax on the water. He cherished his friends and was always there for them when they needed him.
He was kind, loving and always willing to help. He will be missed by many people.
Life Celebration® visitation for Grant will be Wednesday, September 4, 20224 from 4;00 to 7:00 PM at O'Riley – Branson Funeral Service and Crematory, 6017 South East Street, Indianapolis, IN 46227. His Celebration of Life will be at 7:00 PM,
Memorial donations in his honor may be made to Indianapolis Animal Care Services via Friends of Indy Animals and Center Grove Show Choir.
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It is with great sadness that I write this memory for Grant.
Grant was an exceptional person who brought immense joy into my life from the day he was born. While it’s impossible to capture all our wonderful moments together, here are some highlights:
-His toddler years, especially the way he played with his cash register, pretending to collect money.
-The joy in his eyes during our trips to the zoo, watching him marvel at the animals.
-His passion for cars—he was always excited about getting a new one, and we shared many moments test-driving cars together.
-His love for animals, from birds to dogs, each of which he cherished.
-Our boating adventures, where he always made the experience enjoyable.
-Visits to his workplace, where we’d joke about me buying the biggest and best boat to impress the salespeople.
-Quiet times on the back porch, simply talking and enjoying each other’s company.
-His incredible piano playing—his talent was truly something special.
Grant brought laughter, happiness, and ease to my life in countless ways. For all these moments and more, I am deeply grateful.
There will never be a moment when I don’t think about Grant and question why his life was taken so early. Yet, I find solace in knowing that he is now an angel watching over me.
I pray that Grant’s family and friends find comfort and strength as they navigate this difficult journey.
Gavin has purchased Beautiful in Blue for Grant Rafferty
Becca has purchased Blossoming Heart for Grant Rafferty
From all at Renfro Productions has purchased Cherished Moments – Red & White for Grant Rafferty
Buckeye Sports Center has purchased Ocean Essence Spray for Grant Rafferty
My heart is broken over the loss of my dear friend and co-worker. Grant was an amazing person who would help anyone. He was always there if you needed help or just an ear to chat. I am so grateful I had the chance to work so closely with Grant and build a relationship. Forever in my heart.
Ross & Piero has purchased Treasured Memories Floor Basket – Blue for Grant Rafferty
Chelsea Emerson has purchased Beautiful in Blue for Grant Rafferty
Mali and Dylan Jacob has purchased Forever In Our Hearts for Grant Rafferty
Katie Andrews has purchased Designer’s Choice for Grant Rafferty
Grant was a talented writer in my 6th grade class ( even got him published in a student anthology. Enjoyed knowing him.So sorry for your loss.
Love Great Aunt Carol K. has purchased Peace Lily for Grant Rafferty
Christina has purchased Loving Embrace for Grant Rafferty
Trudy White Rafferty & Family has purchased Garden of Serenity for Grant Rafferty
With Love, The Gilley Family has purchased Boundless Love for Grant Rafferty
Jeff & Cindy Marshall & family has purchased Blooming Sympathy Garden for Grant Rafferty
Gavin and Carrie Feigert has purchased Beautiful in Blue for Grant Rafferty
Sea Ray Corporate has purchased Ocean Essence Spray for Grant Rafferty
Derziotis Family has purchased Garden of Serenity for Grant Rafferty
I was so sorry to hear about Grant. A life taken way too soon. He was a very likable young man. I really enjoyed having him in class. God Bless you all in your time of grief.
With love – Jac & the Pratts has purchased Beautiful in Blue for Grant Rafferty
Doug Polk has purchased Lush Greenery Basket for Grant Rafferty
Ed, Linda, Angie, Steve has purchased Sympathy Garden for Grant Rafferty
Century 21 Scheetz has purchased Loving Embrace for Grant Rafferty
Barletta Boats has purchased Pure Peace for Grant Rafferty
Rest in peace Grant. We love you and will miss you every day. We will cherish all the wonderful memories you created with our large and fun family.
Your friends at D.R. Horton has purchased Beautiful in Blue for Grant Rafferty
Chris King and family. has purchased Beautiful in Blue for Grant Rafferty
Dear Kristin and family, My deepest sympathy in your loss of Grant. I remember him as a kind and talented young man. He was a good pianist. He was so proud of his little sisters. I will be praying for all of you.
The Regal Team has purchased Beautiful in Blue for Grant Rafferty
I was sad to hear of Grant’s passing. He was so likable when I taught him in the seventh grade. My prayers are with his loved ones.
I express my hearty condolences to the family and to all the loved once. Grant Thomas Rafferty may your soul rest in peace.
Peace and comfort for the entire family. Much love from Jim and Shawna Graham
Dear Family:
We, the families of The Compassionate Friends, send you our heartfelt condolences on Grant’s passing.
The Compassionate Friends is an international, non-denominational, grief support group for parents, grandparents and siblings who have suffered the heartbreaking loss of a child. Our only mission is to provide comfort, hope and support to every family experiencing the death of a son or daughter, brother or sister, or grandchild, and to help others better assist the grieving family.
We meet monthly on the first Wednesday at the New Hope Church, 5307 Fairview Rd, Greenwood, IN 46142 and on the third Tuesday at the Epworth United Methodist, 6450 Allisonville Road, Indianapolis, IN 46220. Both meetings begin at 6:30pm.
If, and when, you are ready to do so, please join us for either, or both, meetings.
We Need Not Walk Alone. We are The Compassionate Friends.
The Compassionate Friends
Central Indiana Chapter
(317) 681-4292 (April)
Local Website: http://www.tcfcentralindiana.org
National Website: http://www.compassionatefriends.org