Colonel Jason Michael Lafferty, US Army (Ret.) of North Kingstown Dies at 50

Colonel Jason Michael Lafferty, US Army (Ret.) of North Kingstown Dies at 50

Jason M. Lafferty, COL, US Army (Ret.), age 50, of North Kingstown, Rhode Island, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 23, 2025, surrounded by his loving family after a hard-fought battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. He faced his illness with the same grit and courage that defined his life—from the battlefield to the backyard.

 

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Jason was the beloved husband of Elizabeth “Beth” B. (Perry) Lafferty, (former Capt., US Army). Born and raised in Woonsocket, he was a son of Barbara (Hudson) Lafferty, and the late Martin Lafferty; and son-in-law of Marcia B. Houle and the late Raymond A. Perry.

 

At home, Jason was all-in. He was married to the love of his life, Beth, for 26 years. Together they raised four amazing children, Aidan M. Lafferty (2nd Lt., US Army), Carolyn E. Lafferty (US Army), Declan M. Lafferty, and Nolan P. Lafferty. Jason never missed a chance to cheer them on—whether it was on a field, in the classroom, or just around the dinner table.

 

He was the brother of Martin A. Lafferty (COL, US Army, Ret.) and his wife, Carol; Kim M. Lowe and her husband, Tony; Tim Lafferty (Chief, North Smithfield PD) and his wife, Debra; and Sean P. Lafferty (Woonsocket FD, Ret.) and his wife, Bronwen. Jason was the brother-in-law of Kyle R. Perry and his wife, Pia; and Brian J. Perry and his wife, Jacquelyn. He also leaves behind a clan of nieces and nephews. “Clan Laff” - always and forever.

 

Jason lived for two things above all else: his family and his country. Military life demands sacrifice and Jason accepted that without hesitation. His greatest joy in life, however, was being a father. He never took a moment with his children for granted. He was keenly aware of the times that were important - coaching his children, swimming in the pool, watching movies, road tripping during vacations, or simply sharing his favorite meat lovers pizza. Always imparting his insight and words of encouragement, Jason was a source of comfort, wisdom and unconditional love that will remain with his children always. He also took pride in the little things: his Irish heritage, good food and company, great music, the Celtic cross that meant so much to him and of course, all New England sports teams.

 

Jason was commissioned as an Infantry Officer through the University of New Hampshire’s Army ROTC program in 1998. He began his distinguished military career taking on leadership roles with the 25th Infantry Division, the 10th Mountain Division, and the 3rd Infantry Division. He served in peacekeeping missions in Sinai, Egypt, and saw combat in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom III, where he led Alpha Company, 3-15th Infantry.

 

Jason joined the Rhode Island Army National Guard in 2006, serving with dedication in a range of key leadership roles throughout his distinguished 23-year military career. His early assignments included positions as Aide de Camp for the Adjutant General and Assistant Professor of Military Science at Providence College. He was subsequently assigned to the 56th Troop Command, where he held roles as Assistant Operations Officer, Brigade S4, and AO. Jason later served in the Recruiting and Retention Battalion as Executive Officer, Operations Officer, and Company Commander of the RSP Company. He continued his career at Joint Force Headquarters, where he served as Mobilization Readiness Division Chief in the G3, and later as Director of the J4 DOL, before officially retiring in 2021 with honor and distinction.

 

His awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Iraqi Campaign Medal, Combat Infantryman's Badge, Expert Infantryman's Badge, Ranger Tab, Parachutist Badge, Pathfinder Badge and has been awarded the Order of Saint Maurice Medal. He also has earned German, Dominican Republic, Italian, Dutch, Canadian Airborne Wings and the German Schutzenschnur Cord. What was truly important to Jason, however, was the soldier behind the badge. His service reflected a deep sense of duty, courage and commitment to his fellow soldiers and what he earned in return was their profound respect.

 

His military education includes the Infantry Officer Basic Course, Infantry Captains Career Course, the Combined Arms Services and Staff School, Mechanized Leader Course, Intermediate Level Education, Advanced Operations Course.

 

He holds a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Environmental Science from the University of New Hampshire and a Master's Degree in Educational Administration from Providence College.

 

He brought his passion and leadership to Cranston High School East, where he served as the Senior Army Instructor for the JROTC program. He loved his cadets and poured his heart into shaping the next generation of leaders. He had high standards, but always led with kindness and understanding.

 

Jason Lafferty was a man who meant what he said and lived what he believed. His doctors described him as "Stoic and Heroic." His life was about more than what he achieved—it was about how he made people feel. He will be deeply missed by his family, and everyone who had the privilege to serve with him, learn from him, or simply call him a friend.

 

Visitation will be held Monday, June 30, 2025, from 4:00–7:00 PM at the Fagan-Quinn Funeral Home of Patrick Quinn Funerals & Cremations, 825 Boston Neck Road, North Kingstown.

 

Relatives and friends are invited to Jason’s Mass of Christian Burial which will be celebrated on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at 11:00 AM in Christ the King Church, 180 Old North Road, Kingston (Livestream: https://ctkri.org/funerals/). His burial will follow at the Rhode Island Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery in Exeter, where military honors will be rendered in recognition of his honorable and faithful service to our country.

 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the COL Jason M. Lafferty, US Army, Memorial Scholarship Fund, supporting students who share Jason’s dedication to service and pride for America. C/O Coastal1 Credit Union, 221 Tower Hill Rd., North Kingstown, RI 02852.

 

“Well done, good and faithful servant.”

 

Rest easy, Colonel. We’ll take it from here.