Obituary of Sean Lafferty

Sean P. Lafferty, originally of Burlington, raised his family in Acton and lived in Westford for the past 9 years, died Thursday, December 17, 2015, surrounded by his loving family. He was 55 years old. Sean was born in Cambridge on July 4, 1960, son of the late William J. and Harriett L. Lafferty. Sean graduated from Northeastern University and received his Juris Doctor Degree from New England School of Law. Sean’s 25 year career in private practice earned him a reputation as a passionate and tenacious litigator and one of the most highly regarded and trusted, union side labor attorneys. Joining his father’ practice, Lafferty & Lafferty which began in 1973, Sean and Bill specialized in representing police and firefighter unions, as well as federal employees, most notably Postal employees and Air Traffic Controllers. An untiring advocate for social justice, Sean believed profoundly in the principle that working men and women deserved fair treatment in the workplace and passionately pursued that goal. Earning a reputation for honesty and integrity, with a razor-sharp wit, it wasn’t uncommon for Sean to represent clients for most of their working careers. During his distinguished career, Sean tried or settled hundreds of grievance arbitrations, negotiated labor agreements, resolved bitter strikes, and counseled thousands of workers on their workplace rights. In his free time, Sean enjoyed boating with his family at his home on Lake Winnipesaukee in his younger years. In more recent time, Sean enjoyed spending time with his family at his home on Sand Key in Clearwater, Florida. Sean was an avid reader, a zealous democrat, and his wife’s favorite cook. Sean is survived by his beloved wife of thirty years, Robin (Bemis) Lafferty. He was the loving father of Ryan P. Lafferty of Acton, Kara Lafferty and her husband Taylor Kurth of Acton, and Brendan Lafferty of Westborough. Adoring grandfather of Reagan Lafferty and William Kurth. He was the loving brother of Brian C. Lafferty of Concord & Spring Hill, Florida, Karen Munroe and her husband Henry of Burlington, and Kerry Ross and her husband Will of Burlington. Favorite uncle to Meaghan Lafferty, Devon and Conor Ross. Funeral from the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (Exit 34 off Rt. 128, Woburn side) on Monday, December 21 at 9 a.m. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Margaret’s Church, 111 Winn St., Burlington at 10 a.m. Interment in Pine Haven Cemetery. Visiting hours Sunday, December 20, 3-6 p.m. Memorials in Sean’s name may be made to the Lowe Center for Thoracic Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Avenue, D1240, Boston, MA 02215