Anthony Thomas Raphael II

Raphael Anthony Thomas Raphael II, died on January 27, 2014 at Kobacker House after bravely fighting esophageal cancer. He was a beloved husband of Carol and father of Anthony III and Alexandra; a caring son, brother, uncle, nephew and friend. Anthony was born to Tony and Gloria Raphael and was greatly treasured by his parents and sisters. He graduated from DeSales High School and Franklin University. He was the president of Group Benefits Specialists Inc. Early in his career Anthony was a buyer for The Glassery; he owned and managed two Columbus restaurants; later joined Nationwide Insurance. He was a member of both the National and Columbus Association of Health Underwriters. He volunteered and donated his professional services to the Homeless Families Foundation. Anthony was always seen with Carol at Anthony and Alexandra's sporting events and often coached their numerous teams throughout the years. Many of his players remember him as a fair and encouraging coach. He also leaves behind his mother-in-law, Yvonne Bussard; sisters and brothers-in-law, Cathy and Don Griffin and Mary Martha and Van Stewart; and Carol's brother and sister-in-law, Tom and Kara Bussard; and sister and brother-in-law, Patty and Rex Brown; nephews, nieces, aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents. The family will receive friends at RUTHERFORD FUNERAL HOME AT POWELL, 450 W. Olentangy St. (Powell Rd./ST Route 750/1/4 mile east of Sawmill Parkway) on WEDNESDAY and THURSDAY, from 2-4 and 6-9 p.m. Anthony was a member of OUR LADY OF PEACE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 20 Dominion Blvd., Columbus, Ohio 43214, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, January 31, at 11 a.m. Interment at Resurrection Cemetery, Father Kevin Kavanagh and Deacon Jeffrey Fortkamp, Con-celebrants. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Anthony's memory to Kobacker House, @ohiohealth.com/programs/hospice-giving or Homeless Families Foundation, @homelessfamiliesfoundation.com. To send an online condolence, please visit www.rutherfordfuneralhomes.com.