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RAUL GERARD FONSECA

RAUL FONSECA Obituary

RAUL GERARD FONSECA - SOUTH BURLINGTON - Raul Gerard Fonseca, 61, passed away into pure love on May 5, 2015, five months after a diagnosis of cancer. He was the director of junior tennis at The Edge Twin Oaks South Burlington. Raul was educated in St. Mary's, N.Y., St. Alphonsus, Conn., and USF, St. Petersburg, Fla., with graduate work at UMass and Yale. Over the years, he was a minister for Churches of Christ in St. Petersburg, Fla., Chicopee, Mass., Manchester, Conn., Sarasota, Fla., New Tampa, Fla., and Essex, Vt., as well as Bible study leader and scriptural consultant for books and film. Raul coached tennis professionally both in Florida and Vermont and on the professional circuit. Foremost a follower of Jesus, Raul's life was dedicated to his study of the scriptures and helping others find new life through the one and only Savior, Jesus Christ. Raul's earthly life was shared by his wife, Nancy; two daughters, Kristi and Stacia; son, Brian; sons-in-law, Brian and Carmine; and his mother, Ruth. He was also grandfather to Austin, Sophia, Silas, and Raine; and brother to siblings, Maria, Bernadette, Ruthie, David, Anthony, Christopher, Michael, and Timothy. He is preceded in death by his father, Raul; and brother, Stephan. Raul's love and mission will also live on in the hearts of friends he served as brother, colleague, coach and mentor, and in the lasting memory of all who knew him.

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Published by The Burlington Free Press on May 10, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for RAUL FONSECA

19 Entries

Jerry Proulx

December 1, 2024

My dear friend Raul. Closing in on 10 years since your passing, your voice, knowledge, empathy and great sense of humor still visit my thoughts almost everyday. Thanks for your insights into Christ and the teachings you could make so very clear in a very loving way. I'm glad you came into my life--and you were and excellent tennis coach to my family. I wish Nancy and the family the best, now and always.

Peter Hayes

May 5, 2024

All that can be said has been said...and we will say it again! Raul was a special person in my life and to all that the fortunate people who got to know him. Still telling Raul stories...and praising Jesus. Thanks Raul

Peter Hayes

May 4, 2023

My philosophical talks and stories with Raul still resonate into my own talks and stories, but more importantly he taught me to recognize how our foundational Christian beliefs are the roots of our identities. I will continue to share the impact of knowing Raul in my life. Jesus would be happy to know that Raul lives on through others...

Carl Runge

May 4, 2021

Gone but not forgotten. We still miss him at St. James.

Raul with Cris Krusen and Eddie Flom in the Markets of the Old City of Jerusalem.

William Whitacre

May 4, 2019

Raul made our lives better with his deep faith and great good humor and gratitude.

Charles Cardo

May 28, 2015

While worshipping with a small congregation in Tampa,FL, my wife and I were the beneficiaries of Raul's Biblical insights. His preaching accentuated the love of our Savior, bringing us into a closer commmunion with Jesus. He bore much lasting fruit.

Peter & Maggie Hayes

May 20, 2015

Nancy
Our family will always remember how Raul kept his faith in God above all else. He made those who he met feel special. Taking my calls to talk tennis and life, even while he was feeding tennis balls. We enjoyed staying at your home a few years back and enjoying the seeds of love we found there. We will miss Raul.

May 17, 2015

Our thoughts and prayers remain with you.... dave and teresa vaughn

Deb & Dave Long

May 16, 2015

Dear Nancy and family...Dave and I have so many sweet loving memories of you and yours. We treasure you and Raul as our brother and sister. It was a blessing to see you both at the church in Chicopee. May God give you peace. We love you. Deb and Dave Long

In Jerusalem December 2010 on Film Scout

Bill Whitacre

May 15, 2015

This picture was taken on our trip to Israel scouting for a film. Raul was our spiritual mentor not only for the ten days there, but for our follow up development. His love of Jesus has been a great blessing to me and to all who called him friend.

May 14, 2015

Dear Fonseca Family,
Raul was so loved by the kids who he coached at the Edge (and the young adults who he guided to be teachers). He taught with love and enouragement and Louis improved quickly because of his guidance. We are very saddened and he will be deeply missed. Our sincere condolences to your family.
-elizabeth brody and family

May 12, 2015

Dear Nancy,
It is with sadness that I write this note. I came to know Raul and you through our Sunday morning discussion group at St. James Church. I found you both to be extraordinarily stimulating, greatly helping me to understand Jesus better than I had. I am more than grateful to both of you. My prayers and best wishes are with you and your family.
Carl Runge

May 12, 2015

Dear Fonseca Family,
I was shocked to learn of Raul's passing. We worked together while Raul was preaching in Manchester. I remember his sense of humor and that little twinkle in his eyes. Best of all I will always remember his true dedication in teaching the way of Jesus. His sole purpose on this earth was to spread the word whenever/wherever the opportunity arose. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Nancy Madrak
Broad Brook, CT

Kellee

May 12, 2015

I too worked with Raul at the Edge. I am blessed to have known Raul. Rest in peace.

May 11, 2015

I worked with Raul at the Edge and found him to be the nicest man, I feel blessed our paths crossed in this small way in life.

Alvin Jennings

May 10, 2015

My friendship sprang with co-laboring for Jesus at the Chicopee Falls Church of Christ in the 1960's where my wife Ellen and I joyfully served with him for a brief moment in time. He was truly devoted to the Lord Jesus Christ, and his jovial spirit was contagious. I shall be praying for re-union with him after a while where there is no cancer, pain or dying ... only glorious and joyful praise together with the righteous saints of all the ages, colors and languages of the earth. What a blessing to be his partner for a while in this life.

Ruth Adams

May 10, 2015

I will always treasure the love and devotion you lived for Jesus every day of your life.

I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise (Luke 23:43)

You are Forever Loved and Missed,
Your Sister Ruth

Laurie Abolafia

May 10, 2015

Raul
You are now an angel soaring high in Heaven. You touched my heart with you kindness and strength thru your battle with cancer. You said I will see you on the other side and I define try will one day. Rest in peace my friend.
Laurie from UVHC.

carl and Linda Sallstrom

May 10, 2015

Raul was a very good friend and loving brother in Jesus. Going to miss him.

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