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John Brooks Raffa, born January 5, 1935 in Bethesda, MD to Aldo and Joyce Raffa, passed away January 20 at his home in Corrales, New Mexico. He is survived by his wife, Karen and sister Joy of Deland, Florida. Raffa's father was a colonel in the Air Force and worked for the OSS, spending their early years in Italy. John also served with the U.S. Navy during the Korean conflict. John was a major figure in the field of automotive photojournalism, playing a huge role in helping drag racing become a mainstream American activity. From his days as the Managing Editor of Super Stock & Drag Illustrated in MD, through his years as the Publisher of Car Craft Magazine in CA, through his stint as a Senior Editor for the NHRA at National Dragster, Raffa earned an enviable reputation as both teacher and talent spotter. It was under his tutelage that a significant number of today's most widely read and respected writers cut their editorial teeth, including two members of the International Drag Racing Hall of Fame. Despite being proud of his MD background, Raffa spent most of his life in CA, where he developed a love and respect for art, ultimately owning and operating galleries in Solvang and Harmony before discovering what would become his life-long passion, Native American and Southwest art. That passion resulted in his opening Santa Fe by the Sea in Ventura, CA. This passion continued when he displayed his own photographs at both Corrales Art Festivals this past summer, a huge milestone for him. Thanks to his support group at Cottage Care Hospital in Santa Barbara, CA, Raffa recently received an award emblematic of his 14-years of sobriety, an honor that joined his recent selection for the 2004 "Founders Award" as part of the International Drag Racing Hall of Fame program. In lieu of flowers it was John's wish that his friends continue to support the Drag Racing Association of Women (DRAW), a group dedicated to the financial support of the families of injured competitors. DRAW, 4 Hance Drive, Charleston, IL 61920.
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