Rafael Ramos

On Saturday, October 8, 2022, God called home one his greatest soldiers, Rafael Ramos, beloved husband of Albertana Ramos, father of six, grandfather of 10, great grandfather of 13, and great-great grandfather of 6, passed away at the age of 87 (one month shy of 88). Rafael came to the United States in 1951, at the age of 17 years old with his parents, Eloiso and Monserrate Ramos. He found employment as a factory worker, where he met Valentin Torres , whom he became friends with. Through his friendship with Valentin, he met his young daughter, Berta Ramos and after two years of courtship, they were married by the catholic church on December 24, 1954. In the marriage, they had 6 children, 4 boys and 2 girls. During his marriage to Berta, he lived in the Bushwick section of Brooklyn, then Powell Street and then Riverdale Towers for over 50 years. Rafy, as known to many, was an active parishioner of Our Lady of Mercy in Brooklyn, New York, for which he also worked as a custodian and sacristan for over 40 years. He also served the community as an umpire for the neighborhood baseball leagues. However, his dedication was not only to his family but also to his church. His church ministries included: • Eucharistic Minister • Ministry of the sick in where he would bring the eucharist to their home or to the hospital • He also brought the word of God to the community • Visited funeral homes when someone passed to pray the rosary • Cursillista de Cristiandad – 1962 – NY • Was Vice President of Santo Nombre at Our Lady of Mercy • Member of the Club Dramático of Our Lady of Mercy in which he played three roles: John the Baptist, Caiaphas and the crippled man. Rafy was very proud that all his children had been altar servers at Our Lady of Mercy at some point in their lives. Rafael went as far the 11th grade when he lived in Yauco, Puerto Rico. He dreamt of becoming a veterinarian, however, his parents moved to the U.S. before he finished high school. He loved to cook, go fishing and crabbing, and was a master of the game of dominoes. He enjoyed horse races and if he couldn’t make it there, he would go to the OTB and place his bet! He loved his family and enjoyed spending time with everyone. Rafy is survived by his wife, Berta; children, Luis, Dally, Jeff, Jeanette and Jaime. His second eldest son, Norberto (Tito) passed before him in January 1998. He adored and loved his grandchildren, Luis Jr, Lisannette, Yalitza, Juan Jr, Iris, Stephanie, Elias, Ciara, Charly and Prince, as well as his great grandchildren, Cesar, Sherry, Thomas Jr., Christian, Anaya, Ethan, Juan (Bebo), Ricardo, Indira, Nyla, Sade, Darius, and Ameris. Rafy was also blessed with 6 great-great grandkids - Saphira, Rhea, Rafael (still cooking in mom’s belly); Liliana, Jaylin; Layla, and Lily. He will be extremely missed and forever loved by his family and friends. Rest peacefully…you deserve it!

Rafael Ramos

November 5, 1934 - October 8, 2022