January 29, 1945 - April 2, 2020
Rafael Angel Berrios, age 74, a resident of Orlando, Florida passed away on Thursday, April 2, 2020. Rafael was born in Puerto Rico to Rafael Angel and Ana Monclova. He was raised alongside two sisters, Rosita and Tati. During a time of national crisis, he answered the call to action and dutifully served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. Rafael married the love of his life and soulmate, Sonia Aponte, in 1969. He is survived by his wife and their four children - Rafael Angel, Ricardo Enrique, Roxana, and Rebecca Beatriz, as well as his grandchildren - Victoria Enid, Enrique Rafael, Gabrielle Elisabeth, Nicholas Alexander, Christian Javier, Michael Rafael, Emilio Ricardo, Eliana Beatriz, and Gabriel David. Rafael’s legacy is one of laughter. His personality resonated with joy and fervor as his outlook on the world was colorful and gracious. His legacy is one of storytelling, practical jokes, and unyielding love for his family. He will forever be regarded as an unforgettable presence, spreading laughter and joy with everywhere he went. His relationship with each one of his grandchildren was unique with inside jokes and vulnerabilities, but uniform in the love, compassion, and joy he would share with each one of them. The lessons he imparted, the love he shared, and his overwhelming sentiment of joviality are core to the remembrances of each of his grandchildren. These themes echo in their final message to him in his memory:
Victoria Enid- I love you forever, I’ll always miss your laughs and jokes whenever I’d see you. You’re always in my heart and I’ll always take care of Abuela, forever te quiero mucho.
Enrique Rafael- In a bleak world, you were always a flash of light and goodness, Abuelo. You never ceased to make me laugh, and your love showed itself in countless ways. I promise to take care of the family for you, and make you proud in the process. I love you always. I’ll see you in eternity.
Gabrielle Elisabeth- I want to thank you Abuelo for always providing the family with kind words and a smile. You always put us first, and never turned down an opportunity to be with us. We’ll carry on your love for Abuela, I’ll hold you close to my heart for the rest of my life.
Nicholas Alexander- Abuelo, I promise that out of my respect and love for you, I will carry on your last name to my kids and give them the love and joy you gave me.
Christian Javier- I loved the jokes we had together and the laughs we’ve shared. We’ve had a hell of a run, I love you a lot, my mang.
Michael Rafael- I will always love and respect Abuelo, and I’ll miss his stories, the times we went out to eat together, and his jokes. He lived to see everyone laugh and smile, and I guess everyone should try to be more like him-a little more laughter in the world could go a long way. I love you.
Emilio Ricardo- Abuelo, you have always been there for me throughout my life to keep me smiling and laughing. I love you and will always appreciate you for being an amazing grandfather.
Eliana Beatriz- I love you with all of my heart and I will dearly miss you. You taught me jokes, games, and tricks. I’ll always remember our inside jokes we had together. And yes, I’ll have my driver’s license ready to show you when I get to see you again. Love always, Cucusita.
Gabriel David- Abuelo, I remember that you would play lots of games and jokes on me, like flicking my ear and calling me Jujo. I love you lots, Abuelo!
We will all miss you dearly, and we hope to see you again. As the book of your life finishes, you inspire us to continue writing ours.
With love always ,
Victoria, Enrique, Gabrielle, Nicholas, Christian, Michael, Emilio, Eliana, and Gabriel.
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