INDIANAPOLIS
October 14, 1996 – August 28, 2024
Grant Thomas Rafferty, 27, unexpectedly passed away on August 28 while at home with his beloved golden retrievers, Bentley & Audi.
He was a graduate of St. Barnabas Catholic School, Center Grove High School (2015) and IUPUI. Grant was a member of show choir and a talented pianist playing at mass starting in the 7 th grade and show choir throughout high school.
His love of cars, boats and helping people, along with a natural sales ability, took him to CarMax while in college and then to the Marine Center of Indiana boat dealership. There, he started in marketing, advanced to sales, then finance, and then appointed General Manager in 2023. Grant was a true leader to those who worked with him and he loved his career and those who supported him. His hard work truly led to success at a young age.
Grant was surrounded by family that loves and cherishes him. Parents, Kristin (Kris, as he liked to joke) Rafferty-Burdine (Tim Burdine) and Pat Rafferty (Susie). His favorite person in the world, Papa (grandfather, Jim Kirschner), and grandmother, Sue Kirschner. His precious sisters who admired and leaned on him, Mara, Chloe and Kelsey Burdine. Brother, Tyler Burdine, uncle, Kevin Kirschner, and cousins, Caroline, Colin and Aiden Kirschner. Grant is preceded in death by his Grandmothers: Vicki Kirschner (Mimi), Bonnie Feigert and Grandfather, Michael Rafferty.
Grant was an old soul, mature at a young age and even the ultimate negotiator starting even in kindergarten, ambitious, smart, and driven to be successful. He had a passion for cars and buying and trading them, always working a deal, probably owning over 30 cars since he was 16.
His favorite place on earth was Geist Reservoir at his Papa’s house. The boat captain at 14 he loved to drive family and friends and relax on the water. He cherished his friends and was always there for them when they needed him.
He was kind, loving and always willing to help. He will be missed by many people.
Life Celebration visitation for Grant will be Wednesday, September 4, 20224 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at O’Riley – Branson Funeral Service and Crematory, 6017 South East Street, Indianapolis, IN 46227. His Celebration of Life will be at 7:00 PM.
Memorial donations in his honor may be made to Indianapolis Animal Care Services via Friends of Indy Animals and Center Grove Show Choir.
Please visit www.ORileyBranson.com to share a favorite memory or to sign the online guest registry.
