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Rafael Marrero Obituary
Went to be with his Lord, and his Mom and Dad on Saturday, November 10, 2007. Born July 10, 1960 in Manatee on his beloved island of Puerto Rico, Rafael, with his brilliant smile and willing hand, touched so many lives. In spite of his struggle with chronic pain and illness for almost two decades, Rafael reached out to help the young and the old. He came to the Elmira area fifteen years ago. When disability made it impossible for him to continue working, he volunteered at the Arnot Ogden Medical Center in any capacity where there was need. He loved and was devoted to his family and friends, and was always on the telephone or seeking them out to offer encouragement and support and unconditional love. A servant of his Lord Jesus Christ, Rafael served as deacon in the Spanish Congregation of the Central Christian Church on South Main Street in Elmira where he used his language skills to deftly translate English to Spanish or Spanish to English so that anyone could hear and be moved by Scripture, song and word. He is mourned by so many - from family enclaves in Puerto Rico, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and spread across the country, to dear friends in his adopted home of Elmira. His loss is deeply felt by his room-mate and adopted Mom of fifteen years, Barbara Mayer, as well as his best friends and companions, Tom Weidemann and Sarah Connelly. Pre-deceased by his mother and father, Rafael leaves a family of 22 brothers and sisters and hundreds of in-laws, nieces and nephews who mourn their Tio Rafin. May God comfort us all, and welcome to His bosom His devoted son Rafael Antonio Marrero. A service of remembrance and celebration for the life of Rafael will be held Thursday, November 15, 2007 at the Central Christian Church, 309 South Main Street, Elmira NY at 7:00 pm. Arrangements by McInerny Funeral Home.
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Memories and Condolences
for Rafael Marrero
Robert DiPietro
January 9, 2022
I just came across this. Although a long time has passed, I am still saddened. Rafael brought a lot into my life and I will be forever grateful.
Kay Cataquet
November 16, 2007
Gone yet will never be forgotten
Although we are apart
Your spirit will live within us
Forever in our hearts
Love Kay Cataquet
Charlien Marrero
Magdelena Marrero
Luis C. Marrero
Magdalena Marrero
November 16, 2007
Tio you will be misses so much u will always be in my heart u did so many good things for me and u were there for me wen i need u i cant believe ur gone but i noe that u will watch ova me and the rest of the family so my u rest in peace i love u so much tio u may be gone but neva forgotten we love u xoxo hugs and kisses always
Gevel Marrero
November 16, 2007
Just got back from Davisitos wedding in Hunduras. On one side we celebrate on the other we cry. But in Crist we always rejoice even in death.
Stacie Buzzetti-Angrove
November 14, 2007
You will be greatly missed...love and miss you!
Cheryl VanGorden
November 14, 2007
Rafael you will be so missed I had so much fun with you when you would hang out at my house with Barb and your goofy antics will never be forgotten.
Nilsa Carrasquillo
November 14, 2007
May he rest in peace...I hadn't kept in touch with him for a long time but do have special memories of being his childhood sweetheart and marrying him even. He was a special person and man, very gregarious and quite intelligent among many things! My deepest sympathies to his family and dear friends and companions! Gee, I was married to him and never even knew his middle name was Antonio. He was definitely full of surprises!! ;-)
Melissa Marrero
November 13, 2007
Tio Raffy you touched my life in so many ways i cant believe that this day has come the last time i seen you was a few months ago and you welcomed me, daddy and mommy in to your house with joy and happiness and like always with ur arms open that was the best weekend ever ur heart touched alot of people and im happy that people got to know what an amazing guy u were tio i love you with all my heart your niece Melissa
Evelynda Acevedo
November 13, 2007
Hey Familia Marrero! I am in total agreement with Merita, no matter where we are at we are ONE, and we hurt and we cry together.. God is good and he's got it all under his control. Love like tomorrow is never promised. My prayer to all the family.
Bridgett Liquori-Mayer
November 13, 2007
raffy was a good man he was allways there to listen to my complaining and had always been able to make me feel better. We were on the same level in many aspects and i knew i could turn to him for support. i will miss his wisdom and the man that he was god rest his soul.
Lefvia Marrero
November 13, 2007
To the greatest uncle ever.....thank you sooooo very much for trusting me and keeping my secrets 'til death did us apart....I will forever live fond of you.
Bigi-Abigail McWilliams
November 13, 2007
Te digo Dios Te Bendiga Tio porque siempre me pedistes la bendicion. Dijistes que era un privilegio poder hacerlo y por eso y mucho mas te lo rindo hoy y hasta te encuentre en el cielo. Perdona que no vistes a Hannah y Sarah pero siempre le hablare de su tio que las querias desde antes que exsistieran en mi vientre.
Sus querido Tio Rafin estara vivo en sus corazones siempre. Te amo Tio con todo el corazon,,,fuistes Tio amigo y hermano.
I start by saying God bless you because you alaways asked for blessing to be spoken over you by me.
You said it was a privileage to ask for this and this is why I will do until I see you again in heaven.
Please forgive me that you werent able to see Hannah and Sarah but I will always tell them about there beloved uncle who loved them before they were even in my womb.
Their uncle Rafin will always be alive in there hearts.
I love you Tio you were my uncle,friend and brother.
Merita titi Glady's daughter
November 13, 2007
To the Marrero family, may we never forget no matter how far we are from each other the love of family and the strenght we have together. Marrero isn't just a name it is a lineage I will proudly carry til they day the Lord calls me to be with abuelita Meri, abuelo Placido, prima Lissie, and the other family members that are there waiting for us to come home. God bless you all much love, your cuzz Merita xoxoxo
Cynthia Marrero
November 13, 2007
We will be together in our hearts and spririts.I will miss and love you with all my heart. I love you Tillo Rafi. Rest In Peace.
P.S I will watch over Uncle Tom for you.
Peggy Buzzetti
November 13, 2007
Raffy first came into my life nearly 20 years ago when my Son Rob brought him home from Boston for Christmas. He quickly became a part of our family and when he and Rob moved back here, he lived with us. Raffy had many trials, but overcame them all and accepted who he was and also accepted his Lord. I know he is well received in heaven and they are welcoming him with open arms. I will miss you Raffy and will never forget how you touched my life and the lives of my family.
daisy dejesus
November 13, 2007
to a special tio. thanks for being apart of our lives, you gave us joy and laughter. tell my mom i miss her, love your niece and family daisy dejesus marrero
Washington Dias
November 13, 2007
I met Rafael only in past July while visiting my dear friend Tom. His funny way of being made us have some very good time together in our trip to Boston. May God give you all the comfort and peace now. My prayers are for you.
lucy marrero
November 13, 2007
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life’s routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Rachel Simonds
November 13, 2007
Rafael, you touched so many lifes. You will be missed by so many. Thanks for all the good times we shared.
Venitra Clark
November 13, 2007
As Our Lord welcomes our brother Rafael into His kingdom, what glory to behold. No more sickness, no more troubles, a life that surpasses all understanding. I encourage everyone to pray for Rafael's loved ones that are left behind to mourn him. Rafael will truly be missed. He was shining light.
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