Rafael Cariaga, Jr., 82, of Corpus Christi, TX, passed away on April 9, 2024 in his home, surrounded by his family. Rafael was a retired Refinery Operator who proudly served in the United States Marine Corps for three years.
Rafael was born on October 6, 1941 in San Benito, TX to Rafael Cariaga and Olivia Cortez Cariaga as one of six children. He loved his childhood growing up on a farm, hunting with his father, and getting into trouble with his siblings. His family meant the world to him and they loved him just as much.
Rafael met the love of his life, Hazel, while she was working at a loan company. He knew as soon as he saw her that she was going to be his wife. They dated for a few years, marrying on January 9, 1964 and enjoying sixty years of marriage together. They became the proud parents of three children, Clarissa, Eddie, and Anita.
Rafael was an honest and hard-working man who always put family first. He was a man of his word and his faith was an essential part of his life. He was a proud deacon at Travis Baptist Church. In his free time, Rafael was an avid golfer and fisherman. He was a member of the Marine Corps League for several years, serving on the memorial team and honoring countless fellow Marines.
Rafael was preceded in death by his father, Rafael Cariaga, Sr.; mother, Olivia Cortez Cariaga; brother, Israel Cariaga; and sisters, Carmen Garcia and Oleida Cariaga.
He is survived by his spouse, Hazel Cariaga; two sisters, Hilda Garcia and Zoila Treviño; daughter, Clarissa Little (Charles Little); son, Eddie Cariaga (Carrie Cariaga); and daughter, Anita Sinjlawi (Sam Sinjlawi). He has six grandchildren that were his pride and joy, Olivia Little, Kristina Little, Jordan Sinjlawi, Yasmeen Sinjlawi, Gabby Cariaga, and Minna Cariaga.
Rafael Cariaga, Jr. will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him
A public visitation for Rafael will be held Monday, April 15, 2024 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Memory Gardens Funeral Home & Cemetery, 8200 Old Brownsville Road, Corpus Christi, Texas 78415. A prayer service will occur Monday, April 15, 2024 at 7:00 PM, 8200 Old Brownsville Road, Corpus Christi, Texas 78415. A funeral service will occur Tuesday, April 16, 2024 at 10:00 AM, 8200 Old Brownsville Road, Corpus Christi, Texas 78415. An interment with final military honors will occur Tuesday, April 16, 2024 at 11:00 AM, 8200 Old Brownsville Road, Corpus Christi, Texas 78415.
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