Belleville Plans To Honor Late Athletic Booster With Street Naming

BELLEVILLE, NJ — There are plans to name a street in Belleville after a beloved resident who was a mainstay in the local athletic community until his passing, the town’s mayor says.

The Belleville Recreation Department mourned Daniel Rafferty’s death last year on social media, offering a heartfelt message of condolence:

“We are very saddened to share news of the passing of Daniel Rafferty today. Danny had been a mainstay in Belleville athletics throughout his entire life. He was a player, a coach, and an advocate for our kids. We cannot put into words how important Danny was to the Recreation Department and children of this town. We share our deepest condolences with the entire Rafferty family during this incredibly difficult time.”

His memory hasn’t been forgotten, the recreation department said in an update:

“One year ago we lost our friend Danny Rafferty. His memory and commitment to the kids in this town will always live on. We miss you, Danny! We're working hard every day to make you proud.”

Now, there are plans to honor Rafferty with a street naming, Mayor Michael Melham said Wednesday.

“At last night’s council meeting I discussed a soon to come (next council meeting) resolution to name the street/driveway into our municipal stadium complex, Danny Rafferty Way. Looking forward to respectfully honoring this young man for his contributions to Belleville’s Recreation Department.”

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