RAFILSON, Ned E

Ned E. Rafilson of Scottsdale, Arizona passed away after a valiant fight with cancer at the age of 86 on March 17, 2014. Ned was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. He moved to Phoenix in 1973. He is survived by his daughters, Shelley Rafilson and Wendy Rafilson Black (Ronald), one grandchild, and four great-grandchildren. He also was the father of Bruce Rafilson (deceased). A businessman/salesman, Ned served in the Army during World War II. He was a member of the Commander's Club and Diamond Leader of the Disabled American Vets, a Patriot & Gold Circle Member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, a Vetsfirst Honor Guard, and a supporter of U.S. Army Freedom Team Salute, Wounded Warrior Project, National Museum U.S. Army, the Southern Poverty Law Center, St. Jude's Hospital, Boys Town, U.S. Olympic Committee and the World Jewish Congress. One of his proudest moments was recently meeting former Cong. Gabby Giffords (and husband Mark Kelly), who told Ned, an eight-year-stroke survivor, to, "Fight strong." A graveside service will be held at Greenwood Memory Lawn, 2300 W. Van Buren, Phoenix, on Friday, March 21, at 10:30 a.m. Arrangements by Sinai Mortuary. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Wounded Warrior Project, woundedwarriorproject.org/Donate or Disabled American Veterans, www.DAV.org. - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/azcentral/obituary.aspx?n=Ned- Rafilson&pid=170259436#sthash.srrphA5X.dpuf