Raphael A. “Lefty” Lumenti of Milford, passed away peacefully holding the hand of his daughter, present at his bedside, on February 7, 2018, at the age of 81. He was born in Milford, son of the late Angelo and Katherine M. (Constantino) Lumenti and was a graduate of the Milford High School class of 1954. He was member of the Milford Legion Baseball League, John Powers Post #59, that made history by being the first Massachusetts team to make it to the American Legion World Series for 2 consecutive years. Lefty went on to pitch for the University of Massachusetts, Amherst before being drafted by the Washington Senators in 1957. He was a southpaw who pitched for the Senators and the Minnesota Twins and was known for his fastball. After retiring from baseball, he went on to work in the logistics industry working in management for Red Star Express and Yellow Freight where he eventually retired. Lefty was a devoted animal person and especially loved dogs. During his retirement, he enjoyed photography, tinkering with computers and spending time with his family and animals. In 2004 he was inducted into the Milford High School Hall of Fame where he was recognized as being the best left-handed pitcher ever to play at Milford High School.
He is survived by his children, Gary J. Lumenti and his wife Donna and son Jake of McKinney, TX, Laurie Lumenti Garty and her husband Kevin Garty of San Mateo, CA, Jim Lumenti and his son Tonio of Milford, Michael A. Lumenti of Hyannis, a brother George M. Lumenti and his wife Marie of Vero Beach FL, two sisters Anita T Patchett and her husband Richard Patchett also of Vero Beach and Olga Ferrera and her husband Guy Ferrera of Lexington, along with several cousins and his former wife, Marie C. Lumenti of Milford.
He was predeceased by his daughter-in-law Robin Lumenti.
The funeral will be held Monday, February 12, 2018 at 9 A.M. from the Consigli Ruggerio Funeral Home 46 Water St. Milford. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 A.M. at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church 7 East Main St. Milford. The burial will follow in the parish cemetery. Calling hours are Sunday from 5 to 7 P.M.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that a donation be made to the Milo Foundation & Sanctuary or any local no kill animal shelter in loving memory of his name.