Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Raphael Favreau Obituary
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Raphael Favreau
Miriam Ewaskio-Singlrton
October 10, 2009
Dear Brother Raphael, always so humble,gentle,dignified and strong.Under a car on a sweltering august day,ploughing the drive way on a blizzardy january day,where the wind covered it over almost as soon as you'd opened it up! Yet you continued to replough for your next brother or sister who needed to come through. Commanding the skies in fighter planes during WWII,and Commander of 200 service men, one of a passing breed of men from "the greatest generation" who faced death to keep safe the freedoms we take for granted.Help us from heaven to use those freedoms wisely to love and care for our neighbor and get closer to the Lord each day as you did. And of all the brothers, you were the"Uncle" who most reminded me of my father. Well named for the healing angel, Raphael, whose name means "medicine of God",you're now another namesake for my son Raffael.Finally,I wonder if anyone else still remembers your traffic safety lecture, especially the 3 directions one must check priot to any switch in lanes,rear mirrror,side mirror and "neck swivel" to cover that blind spot. I never fail to recall you when I do that "neck swivel" which is absolutely life-saving in crazy traffic on city beltways like the Cross Bronx Expressway.We love you,pray for you and feel your presence watching over us,our families and our communities.Miriam Ewaskio-Singleton,Joseph Singleton,and Raffael Singleton.
October 8, 2009
I knew and loved one man who had a deep respect and admiration for you dear Br. Raphael. May you both enjoy the peace that is Heaven.
Maryanna MacIsaac
October 7, 2009
It was an honor and privilege to know you Br. Raphael, we will all miss you. May you rest in peace.
With Love, Mary Catherine Gibbs and family
Dan Fitzgerald
October 6, 2009
I cannot say enough about this wonderful man. I took great pride in his being my novice master and great pride in being apprenticed to him as a mechanic.
In addition to all he taught me about all things mechanical he taught me the greatest lesson in the pursuit of peace of mind and heart - Be available for others and be available for God. He was the most selfless person I have ever known. Such quiet dignity and strength. I have always had the deepest respect for him.
Around the time of my first profession someone asked me what I aspired to now in my life.
I answered, "I just want to be half the man Brother Raphael is."
Thank you Brother Raphael. May you have the peace you so richly deserve.
Martha Ryan
October 6, 2009
My Brother Nick has asked that I convey his condolences to the Abbot and all of Brother Raphael's Brothers at the Abbey. When I called him and told him that Brother Raphael had passed on there was a moment of silence and then Nick said" I have very fond memories of my time spent with Bro. Raphael. He taught me everything I know mechanical and that knowledge certainly has come in handy thru the course of my life". Rest in peace dear Brother Raphael
The Ryan and Dixon families.
Betsy Gibbs-Williams
October 5, 2009
Oh, Brother Raphael, such a gentle man. May you rest in peace. Amen.
Sr. Mary Clare Vincent
October 5, 2009
Brother Raphael. His Religious name, Brother Raphael, says it all. He was a protective, big Brother and an angel who healed by his gentleness, sweetness and cheerful willingness to help anyone who needed him. I grieve for his Abbot and community, his relatives, friends and for myself. We miss him.
Philip McManamon
October 5, 2009
Brother Raphael was my novice master for a time while I was at St Benedicts. While my path in life sent me in a different direction, his influence remains with me even to this day. He was a gentle man and led through his example. Bro Raphael, pray for us!
Bill & Jean Smith
October 4, 2009
Dear Brother Raphael was so gifted and talented in so many ways and so humble. A great triumph for the Immaculate Heart of Mary in this world today.
Janet Koppers Wichmann
October 4, 2009
Brother Raphael - Mostly I knew him through his kind help at the garage - guardian to Br. Benedict at the time. There was never a car problem he could not or would not fix. Is there anything more we can ask of another than to help in a time of need? Simple, pure, kind,... eyes somewhat elusive but his gentle laugh always let me know he didn't mind helping. We wish him great joy beyond this life..and condolences to his brothers who will no doubt miss his presence terribly....
Agnes Malouf
October 4, 2009
I can't possibly top what has already been said here, but Brother Raphael is someone I have always admired...for his modesty and good nature. Can anyone imagine him having a nasty word to say about anyone?
Agnes
Charles (Chuck) Lucas
October 4, 2009
Br. Raphael and I worked together as the first ones to service the SBC vehicles, which I enjoyed very much. When others became available to help him I was given different assignments.
It is interesting that although we were both in the Army Air Corps during WWII, he was a flyer and I was commissioned as a meteorologist and went on to learn radar for weather purposes. When I went to Harvard and MIT for radar study, Br. Raphael was flying P-38 fighter planes out of the Army Air Base in Ontario, CA, which is the city in which I grew up! He went to Mass at St George Church there, the parish where I was baptized, went to grade school, etc.!
Br. Raphael may you rest in peace with Jesus and Mary!
Mariam Maluf
October 3, 2009
Brother Raphael, always steady, strong and quiet! Ever the kindly gentleman. I remember his love of music, his playing the organ at Mass, and his amazing acting ability in the many skits he took part in. We were all regaled by his inimmitable recital of Ann Boleyn, 'with 'er 'ead tucked underneath 'er arm.' So talented, yet so unassuming, full of humor, yet ever kind and gentle! Always on call to fix things that nobody else seemed to be able to fix. I remember him keeping an eye on the huge bonfires we had on the vigil of Our Lady of Guadalupe, as he swept back the licking flames towards the center of the pyre. One could always count on him to be the protector, looking out for everyone. He spoke little, but when he spoke to point something out, he spoke with authority. You'd always listen and remember. Brother Raphael, may you rest in peace with God!
Nancy Candelaria
October 3, 2009
Brother Raphael was the kindest man I have ever known. He is amonst the Saints of Heaven now. Over the years his words of wisdom have served me well. God Bless you and May Our Lady enfold you in her loving arms! Nancy Candelaria
Michael
October 3, 2009
Brother Raphael Favreau OSB was a man of enormous generosity, graciousness, musical sensibility, literary knowledge, wit, intellect, empathy and personal modesty.
In World War II, he parachuted into the Pacific when his airplane caught fire.
He had a remarkable command of all things mechanical. At Still River he and his team serviced, repaired and rebuilt everything from lawnmowers to tractors.
He could recite Shakespeare by the yard as well as selections from across the entire cannon of English literature. Work that otherwise would be drudgery was made pleasant by the energizing stream of discourse. When a particularly challenging bit of craftsmanship was called for, words would stop as Brother Raphael bored in on the problem. Often the solution would have musical accompaniment as bars of Debussy, Tchaikovsky, Gilbert and Sullivan, Cole Porter or an Irish ballad floated above the din of welding crackles and pneumatic wrenches, delivered in an effortlessly sweet and clear whistle.
Beyond the work day, Brother Raphael was a pillar of the Center’s cultural life. Community performances over the years many times featured his riotous rendition of the Ballad of Anne Boleyn and his participation extended to writing and performing skits that satirized the norms of the day. He held that laughter was strong evidence of a healthy mind.
His bass voice in a barbershop quartet on a summer’s evening or in the monks’ choir, year on year anchored innumerable musical events, especially the memorably crowded Christmas concerts.
Piano and organ music was an interest that spanned more than half a century. As with his talent in divining the mysteries of machinery, this skill met a recurrent ceremonial need. Few individuals contributed so much to the monastery’s operations with so little fanfare: he gave generously of himself to the monastery and contributed disproportionately to the sound track of its history.
In honoring his memory, I’ll presume on his ample indulgence with this passage from Julius Caesar.
“His life was gentle and the elements
So mixed in him that Nature might stand up
And say to all the world, ‘this was a man!’”
Mike Gibbs
October 3, 2009
I have many great memories of Br. Raphael. I have always admired anyone with the patience to be a mechanic. I know his Center family will miss him.
Patricia Chadwick
October 3, 2009
Brother Raphael was a part of my life since my birth when he became a close friend of my parents and remained so all his life. I knew him as George and then as Brother Raphael and I had such affection for him that I requested of my parents that he be godfather to my youngest sister. Always gracious, ever smiling, with never a harsh or derogatory word to be spoken by him, he was the epitome of saint. May he rest in peace.
Chris Schabow
October 3, 2009
My thoughts are with all at the community as you bid farewell to Bro. Raphael. I always loved and admired him, and know he'll be greatly missed. I can't help but wonder if he will walk through heaven singing about Anne Boleyn as she walked the midnight hour.
Sr Gertrude Gillette
October 3, 2009
I have many wonderful memories of Br. Raphael. One memorable saying of his that I remember is: Don't make plans! or if you do, be flexible, the Lord may change them. God bless you, Br. Raphael!
Love and prayers,
Sr Gertrude Gillette, osb
Miki Lovett
October 3, 2009
I have the fondest memories of Br. Raphael, a true monk and a true gentleman. I am sorry I cannot attend the funeral.
Tom Syseskey
October 3, 2009
May he rest in peace; may his memory be eternal.
Showing 1 - 21 of 21 results
Make a Donation
in Raphael Favreau's name
Memorial Events
for Raphael Favreau
How to support Raphael's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Raphael Favreau's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
