Evo Street Racers: Michael J. Raffo Junior A Tribute

Michael Raffo Junior
Mike & Rascal

Mikey

Mike Raffo Junior
Mike & Grandma

Mike & Jess

School days Mike waiting w/ Mom & Dan

Michael Raffo Junior
Mom, Mike Jr & Dad

Mikes Pride & Joy His Red Ford F-150 Pickup Truck.

The Tragic End To An Amazing Man.

A Tribute To The Amazing Life of Michael J. Raffo Junior
April 22, 1988 - April 9, 2007
Michael Raffo Jr
Mike, Grandma, & Grandpa

It is with great honor that Evo Street Racers presents to you the life of an amazing son, friend, and young man, Mr. Michael J. Raffo Junior. With the world eagerly awaiting his loving touch and leadership he passed away at the young age of 19. Two young drivers on the night of April 9th 2007 made the poor choice of engaging in the illegal activity of street racing on public roads with the resultant accident killing Michael an innocent bystander that was in the wrong place at the wrong time. May his spirit remain eternal through the actions of those whom he touched while his story acts as a reminder to deter our youth from engaging in the deadly activity of illegal street racing.

Click Here To Read The News Publication

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As written by Michael's mother Mrs. Liz Raffo:

Dear Michael, 19 years ago I gave birth to a beautiful baby boy,I gave your father the one thing out of life he wanted.A son named after him and that moment on you were the apple of your fathers eye.But secretly in my heart I wanted a son and my dream became real.Jessica was overjoyed to have a brother,there was a growing relationship between the two of you.It was a brother and sister relationship noone could hold a candle to but then Dan joined your relationship and that was a force that was so incredible.The three of you were great together and when Mike went to heaven,that force became stronger because now you were Jess and Dan's guardian angel.Mike you have touched so many lives,it's amazing what a fine young I brought into this world.I was hoping to see you spread your wings,find that job you always wanted,find the girl of your dreams,I will never have that son and mom dance at your wedding,your first new car or the new home you would of bought,the grandkids-I will miss out on.There are so many things we will never get to do and I just don't find it fair,sweetie.All I have after 19 years are memories,your room full of your things,pictures and a grave site to take care of.It really stinks,there were dreams to be forfilled and adventures to explore.The tears and heartache will never stop,I wish I could give you a big hug.I would love to hear you say everything will be ok.Our home is not a happy home any more since you went away,Mike.I will always treasure you in my heart and soul.I love you,Michael.Mom

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Michael Raffo Junior
February 2007: Last family group shot.
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As written by Michael's grandmother Mrs. Susan B Gaccione:

March 20, 2007: This is the impact statement I read for my grandson Mike at driver number two's final court appearance. A 30 day suspension of the drivers liscense was on the table but because I asked in my impact statement for community service......... 50 hours was given to Mr. Besso, by the judge on the bench, as well as the liscense suspension was added! Yeah!!!

My name is Susan B Gaccione, I live in Westerly, RI and Michael Raffo JR. is my grandson. Mike was killed April 09, 2007 and Mr. Besso played a part in Mike’s death. That night Mr. Besso and another young man made some stupid choices, which involved illegal street racing. The race began after they left WalMart in Westerly RI on route #1 and followed route #1 into Pawcatuck, CT…..the “finish line” was to have been Brookside Village. The other driver lost control of his car, and the race came to a crashing end across the street from Brookside Village…….killing Mike.

What do we know about the car crash that took Mike away from us? We know it was the Monday night after Easter, after 10 p.m. when this race began. We know the race that ended with Mike’s death lasted 7 minutes. We know that both drivers chose to drive at high rates of speed with no regard for traffic or safety rules. Both drivers were cold stone sober & free of drugs. The two drivers were playing a game of cat & mouse (also known as chicken) during this race, to try & see who could get in front of who. I know neither driver anticipated the end of the race would be Mike’s death ……….. because they weren’t thinking. I think of the race of death on April 9th as to a fire, if you don’t feed the fire, it won’t burn. It’s the same with this race, there were two drivers involved in the race of death, they both had choices that could have been made. ………..to not race would have been a very good one.

What do I know about Mr. Besso? All I know about Mr. Besso is what I have seen in the court room. His first appearance, he came to court alone, dressed nicely and asked for help in the way of a Public Defender. We learned later it was Mr. Besso’s choice to make his court appearance alone. To me this sounds like a young man stepping up to the plate, was respectful to the court, and was willing to take what ever choice of punishment the court deems. We, Mike’s family have been at every court appearance since August 3rd, Mr. Besso’s first scheduled court appearance. Recently we have become very disappointed in Mr. Besso and his actions. We thought he had learned a hard lesson April 09, 2007 but seven months later he was caught speeding and had to go traffic court this month. He is still seen going over the speed limits around town.
We feel that it is your Honor’s choice as to how Mr. Besso should be punished for his choosing to be a participant in the race of death. Michael Raffo Jr. paid the ultimate price and nothing can undo what happened that night……as much as we would like to change what happened. By his choice Mr. Besso has brought the deepest of sorrow not only to our family but his own too. For Michael there are so many should haves & could haves that will now never be.

One suggestion we would like to make for consideration your Honor, is to have Mr. Besso do community service. As part of the community service we would suggest that he would become a participant in a program* that will teach the young drivers the down side of street racing and/or playing a game of chicken. Speed can and does kill drivers & passengers. Mr. Besso may also need to go back to driver’s education classes and learn the rules of driving……safely. Now that Mr. Besso is 21, its time to become a responsible adult and put away the childish driving habits.

Thank you Judge McMahon for allowing me to speak for my grandson Mike & his family.

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