Rafael A. Rodriguez

Rafael Angel Rodriguez,76 gained his wings on Monday, August 22, 2022. He passed away after a battle with an aggressive form of lung cancer. Rafael was born on April 11, 1946 in Bayamon Puerto Rico to Pablo Rodriguez and Lydia Gonzalez. Following high school, Rafael Rodriguez served in the United States army for 4 years. He was very fond of his time in the military and often spoke about what he did while serving and the places he visited during this time. After the military Rafael met Eulogia Gonzalez from Caguas Puerto Rico. They were married for 35 years and together they had three children Maria Elena Mundo, Pablo Rodriguez, and Yajaira Gonzalez Sobers. Rafael was a hard-working man who worked many jobs during his lifetime. He worked as a welder, truck driver, ambulette driver, and for a moving company. While working in Ambulette services Rafael met Valrey Mae Service Rodriguez his second wife. They were together for 30 years and married for 13 years. Valrey and Rafael had two children, Jason Jose Rodriguez, and Alex Francisco Rodriguez. Rafael was a funny man who loved to laugh and make jokes. He had a fantastic sense of humor, and his sarcasm was parallel to none. He loved to curse like a sailor and loved to drink and socialize with friends and with his Beloved son Pablo Rodriguez whom he shared many memorable moments. Rafael loved to play pool, try his luck with scratch-offs, and spend time observing nature. He loved fishing, wrestling, western movies, war movies, and spending time with family and friends and his beloved squirrels, and his little dog Nikko. He also loved music. Stating that without music life would be meaningless.

Rafael Rodriguez was a lover and a fighter and a man who never quit no matter what life threw at him. He will be remembered for his strength, perseverance, and always doing things his way.

He was predeceased by his father Pablo Rodriguez his mother Lydia Gonzalez and his sister Minerva Gonzalez. As well as his brother-in-law Jose Martinez.

Rafael is survived by his children Pablo Rodriguez, Maria Elena Mundo and Yajaira Gonzalez Sobers. He is also survived by his second wife Valrey Mae Service Rodriguez. His son Jason Jose Rodriguez and his son Alex Francisco Rodriguez. Rafael is also survived by his sisters Maria Rodriguez and Carmen Rodriguez.

His Grandchildren Adrian Mundo, Pablo Rodriguez, Natasha Mundo Neidig, Roselee Rodriguez, Isaiah Mundo, Lexy Rodriguez, Noah Rodriguez, Zaiden Rodriguez, Jamaar Sobers, Sebastian Sobers, and his great-grandchildren Naya Rodriguez and Alora Neidig.

We would like to extend our gratitude and thanks to the staff of Baldwin Fairchild at Chapel Hill and to Kasey for assisting us with all the arrangements during this difficult time.