Obituary of William Lafferty

William J. Lafferty, a 50 year resident of Burlington, died Sunday, April 10, 2011 surrounded by his children, he was 85 years old. William was predeceased by his beloved wife, Harriet L. Lafferty, who he was married to for almost 50 years. William was born in Somerville, son of the late Patrick and Delia Lafferty. A Veteran of the United States Air Force and National Guard serving during both World War II and the Korean War. Mr. Lafferty attended Tufts University and received his law degree from Suffolk University Law School. After a 25 year career with the United States Postal Service and later as Special Counsel to the National Labor Relations Board in Washington, D.C. William began practicing law in the Boston area, specializing in labor law. He had a 30 year career in private practice earning the reputation as a tenacious litigator specializing in representing local firefighters and federal employees from all over the country, most notably, many Air Traffic Controllers fired by President Ronald Reagan in 1981. William was still actively engaged in litigation at the age of 80, with his son Sean Lafferty who he partnered with for 20 years. In his free time, he was an avid organ player, gardener and enjoyed spending time at his home on Cape Cod and in later years at his home on Lake Winnipesaukee. William was the beloved husband of the late Harriet (Sullivan). He was the loving father of Brian C. Lafferty of Concord & Trinity, FL, Karen Munroe & her husband Henry of Burlington, Sean P. Lafferty & his wife Robin of Westford and Kerry Ross & her husband Will of Burlington. He was the beloved brother of Mary Adams of Burlington and the late Katherine Howard, Edward Lafferty & Anna Carmichael. Grandfather of Ryan, Kara, Brendan, & Meaghan Lafferty, Devon & Conor Ross. Also survived by many nieces and nephews. Funeral from the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (Exit 34 off Rt. 128, Woburn side) on Friday, April 15 at 9 a.m. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Margaret’s Church, 111 Winn St., Burlington at 10 a.m. Visiting hours Thursday 4-8 p.m. Interment in Pine Haven Cemetery, BURLINGTON. Memorials in William’s name may be made to Town of Burlington Recreation Memorial Fund, Town Hall, Burlington, MA 01803.