Rhea M. (Raffa) Gorman
Date of Passing:
Rhea M. (Raffa) Gorman, 54, of Middle Highway in Barrington, passed away peacefully on November 28, 2025, at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, MA surrounded by her loving family.
Born in Providence, Rhea was the loving daughter of Regina D. (Paolino) Raffa of Barrington and the late Ronald A. Raffa. She grew up in the close-knit Barrington community and was a proud graduate of Barrington High School, Class of 1989. She later earned her bachelor’s degree from Nichols College in 1993. Though she spent more than two decades living in North Attleboro, MA, Rhea eventually returned home to Barrington, where her roots and her heart remained.
Rhea dedicated her career to helping children with special needs and their families, most recently as a Coordinator for Family Service of RI. She touched many lives with her kindness, compassion, and steady support. She held deep appreciation for her colleagues and treasured the connections built through their meaningful work together.
Above all else, Rhea found joy in the time she spent with her loving family and friends. Her gentle spirit, warm smile, and caring nature brought light to every gathering and comfort to every heart she encountered.
Besides her mother, Rhea leaves behind her two beloved daughters, Kaley Rae Gorman of Boston, MA, and Taylor Brooke Gorman of Warwick, as well as her brother, Robert A. Raffa of Attleboro, MA.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday January 31, 2026 at The Wharf, 215 Water Street, Warren, RI from 12:00-3:00 p.m.
Contributions in Rhea’s memory to The Autism Project of Rhode Island, 1516 Atwood Avenue, Johnston, RI 02919 or to The AutismProject.org would be deeply appreciated.
Mrs. Raffa, Rob, & family, thinking of you on this difficult day.
May you be blessed with good memories of the wonderful times spent with Rhea when she was healthy and glowing, so full of life.
I will always remember your beautiful family, so close, so happy, dancing together at our wedding in ‘99 and at Rob’s wedding earlier.
Sending prayers for Rhea’s daughters and their bright futures.
Love & big hugs, Terry (& Jamie)
Regina, I am so sorry for this terrible loss. My heartfelt condolences to you and your family. May you find strength and peace in the love and support of family and friends.
Regina,
I just saw that your daughter Rhea passed in November. I am so very sorry for your loss. Sending you thoughts and prayers.
Regina….I am so sorry about your daughter. My deepest sympathy and prayers to you and your family. Treasure your memories.
Regina. I was saddened to learn of Rhea’s passing. Thoughts and prayers being sent to you, Rob and her girls.
Rhea became part of our family over the past few years. Every other weekend she took my son into the community. She always arrived with a kind smile and warm greetings. She will always be an amazingly graceful soul who gently watches over her loved ones. Our deepest condolences to all who loved her, especially her daughters and mother. We hope you find comfort in all the wonderful memories you have in your hearts.
We’re so sorry for the loss of your mom and daughter and sister . Her love and happiness spread to all that were in her company.
May her soul rest in peace, Amen
Regina and Family. I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers
Regina Ron and I are so very sorry for your loss our deepest sympathy to you and your family our thoughts and prayers are with you so very sorry
Regina, I am so sorry to hear of your loss of Rhea. Sending my thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
We are so sad to hear of Rhea’s passing. Our thoughts are with you all.
My heart breaks for Rhea’s family. She was a huge impact on my daughter’s journey and became like family to us. Rhea was always so supportive and made sure I knew she was always just one phone call away. She will always have a special place in my heart. Sending prayers and hugs to her family.
Our heartfelt condolences to Rhea’s family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time.
So sorry….no one is supposed to lose a child …. My heart aches for you, Regina
I am truly heartbroken. There is nothing worse than losing a child. May you find peace in all the memories
Regina and family,
I am deeply sorry for your loss. I am sure your strong family memories will help you through this difficult time. May she rest in peace.
Regina and Family: I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Regina,
Mike and I are very sorry for your loss. Tootsie spoke often of how much Rhea reminded her of the younger you. May your heart be filled with the blessing of her memory that you’ll hold close in the days ahead.
Regina, my heart is broken for you my friend! My Deepest condolences to you and your family!
Regina, Kaley, Taylor and Rob – I am so sorry for your loss. Sending love and prayers.
I am so sorry for your loss. I worked with Rhea and she was a good, kind soul. The kind you don’t see much anymore. The world will be a little less brighter now but I know she’s an angel watching over us. Sending you all lots of love and prayers.
Heartfelt condolences. Rhea was always sweet and kind growing up. I am so grateful for the friendship she, Amy and her small handful of sweet besties shared for so long.
As a mother, I will forever be grateful for the years she spent guiding and supporting both myself and my son Connor. She gave us such hope, stability, and so much kindness. She was truly one of a kind, and our lives are better because she was in them. My deepest condolences to your family and her friends.
Regina,
Joan and I are so sorry for your loss. Jill tells me that Rhea was an outstanding young lady. I know she is up in heaven right now sharing a laugh or two with Ronnie.
A beautiful woman both inside and out. Heartfelt sympathy sent to all those who loved her.