His family posted on the following on his Facebook page on Saturday: "I'm sorry to say our father Bill Rafferty passed away this morning. He was surrounded by his family. All of you gave him great joy during his final months. He loved talking to all of you. (even the Liberals ;) ) Love the Raffertys."
Rafferty was born in Queens, New York. His first national exposure came as a roving reporter on the NBC series REAL PEOPLE which ran from 1979-1984.