Waterville: Peter James Rafuse, 59, of Waterville, Maine passed away on July 28, 2026, at Maine Medical Center in Portland following a brief medical battle. Peter was born in Lewiston, Maine on November 19, 1966, the son of Mary Jane (Daigle) Rafuse Baker and Wilfred Rafuse. He attended Waterville Schools and graduated from Messalonskee High School in 1985. During his school years, Peter loved hockey and played goalie any chance he got. He was so talented that he was recruited to play with the high school boys when he was just a kid. He was also known to race his BMX bike at the track in Waterville and later moved to a 3- wheeler ATV that he rode all over Central Maine. For a time, he combined his love for autobody work and racing skills to race mini cup cars. He painted them to match NASCAR’s and enjoyed racing them. Pete was an artist, a talented automotive restoration artist creating truly impressive hotrods and antique restorations. He opened Pete’s Custom Paintwork which he owned and operated for over 12 years. He worked on many vehicles over the years, and one made it into a prestigious publication about show cars. He could fabricate anything out of anything. He was proud of his Yankee ingenuity making things even better. He had an eye for perfection, and anyone watching him work would marvel at his ability to create perfection without using high tech tools. On many occasions, he volunteered his time-sharing ways pinewood derby cars could be improved for the big race.

The autobody industry was tough on his body and after an unsuccessful back surgery, Pete turned to an unexpected career choice. He became a personal caregiver, and he learned many nursing skills from the client and his family.

Pete was proud to be a Dad and said that was his proudest accomplishment. He loved his son, TJ, with all his heart. As TJ grew older, Pete was thrilled to become his hockey coach. He was the type of coach that pushed his players to be the best they could be. He was especially proud when he became a grandpa earning the title of Pops. Family was very important to him. Pete loved his family and his aunts, uncles and cousins very much and loved taking part in family gatherings. He loved his roles of brother, brother-in-law, and uncle. He loved challenging his nieces and nephews. He especially loved the family challenges that ranged from creating the best potato gun ever to creating a mini hot air balloon, to creating a contraption that sent his adult son gliding across the lake in a homemade ice boat. Family members always tried to beat him, but there was no chance of that.

Peter enjoyed helping others. In his most recent home, he reached out to help others in his building. He volunteered to do many things from picking up groceries to sponsoring someone walking in a walkathon. He enjoyed it when someone asked for his assistance.

Peter was predeceased by his parents; grandparents, and his ex-in-laws that he remained close to.

Peter is survived by his son T.J. Rafuse (Ashley) and his children: Avery, Jakobe and Hayley; his sister, Valerie Wheeler (Omar) and their children Ben and Jake (Alicia) and their child Hudson; brother Bill Rafuse (Emily) and their children Elliott, Willa, and Maggie; step-brothers Michael (Christy ) and his children Devon, Jazzmine and Taylor; Jack Baker (Amy) and their children Kirstie, Rebecca, Derek and Kaitlyn; step-sister Andrea McKay (Jason) and her children Aaron (Caitlyn), Brittanny(Dylan)and Nick (Serena); several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and great niece and great nephews; and a special friend Alesia Lambert. All of which were very proud of his 9 plus years of sobriety.

As some people journey through life, they leave footprints wherever they go- Footprints of kindness and love, courage and compassion, humor and inspiration, joy and faith. Even when they are gone, we can still look back and clearly see the trail they left behind–a trail bright with hope that invites us to follow. How fortunate we were to have Peter in our lives. He will be deeply missed and may we follow his examples of love, courage and compassion for others.

The family would like to thank the Waterville Fire and Rescue Team and Maine General Intensive Care Team for their medical support during his brief illness. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Thursday August 6, 2026, at 11:00am at Notre Dame Church, Silver Street Waterville, Maine with a Celebration of Life to follow at St. Bridget Center, Vassalboro Maine.

Services are under the care of Veilleux Redington Lawry Brothers Funeral home Elm Street Waterville, Maine.