Rafael Emilio Escalona

Rafael Emilio Escalona - beloved husband, dad, grandpa, brother, uncle, and friend - transitioned to the next stage of his life on January 29, 2024 at the age of 75. A native of San Juan, Puerto Rico, he moved to Washington, D.C. at the age of 13 where he attended local schools. As an adult, he resided in Arlington, Sterling, Herndon, and Stephenson, VA.

Rafael proudly served our country in the U.S. Army from 1968 to 1974. He served in Vietnam with the 101st Airborne Division, during which time he was wounded in battle and received several awards and medals. Upon returning from deployment, he served as a member of the Presidential Guard while stationed at Fort Myer in Arlington, VA.

After his honorable discharge, Rafael briefly shared his skills as a dance instructor for Arthur Murray Studios before beginning a life-long career in his field of passion: security and detective work. He worked as a Detective for the Pinkerton Detective Agency. He was Security Manager for The Hecht Co. He was Project Coordinator and Senior Analyst in the Security Department at IBM, Corporation. He was Director of Guest Services and Security at the Sheraton Premiere Hotel. His most fulfilling and rewarding position was at Nordstrom, Inc., where he was an Internal Investigator. He took much pride in his work and was the recipient of numerous awards for his outstanding service to the company. His leadership and performance in the investigation program at Nordstrom earned him the coveted role of Senior Investigator. He had high regard for his co-workers and continued his friendship with them into retirement.

Rafael was a life-long independent learner, as evidenced by his ability to always converse about national and international current events. His intelligence was obvious in his ability to easily process new information. He enjoyed documentaries and always expanded his knowledge base.

Rafael’s top priority was his family. As our loving patriarch, he was always willing to help anyone in need. Rafael was an active mentor to his grandchildren, instilling in them his wisdom and perspective. His sense of humor was on display as he frequently joked with them. Rafael became the designated driving instructor for his eldest grandsons, Dominic, Donovan, and Tristan, generously giving his time to help them practice, while always showing patience and understanding of the learning process. Rafael loved to attend his grandchildren’s sports activities whenever possible. He valued and enjoyed playing cards and table games, especially playing highly-competitive Monopoly games with his son-in-law, Victor.

Rafael also kept in touch with his friends, reaching out to check on them and maintain friendships. He was especially grateful to his former Supervisor and good friend, Adam Giordano, whose encouragement and unwavering support were so valuable during Rafael’s health challenges. The family extends their gratitude to Adam and his family.

Rafael is predeceased by his parents, Rafael Escalona of San Juan, P.R. and Gladys Zeda of Sterling, VA. He is survived by his devoted wife of 46 years, Alice Mae Escalona of Stephenson, VA; his 3 children: a son, Rafael Antonio Escalona (Tony) of Alexandria, VA; a daughter and son-in-law, Alicia Marie Quintanilla and Victor Quintanilla of Sterling, VA; a son and daughter-in-law, Jason Andrews Escalona and Pamela Escalona of Stephenson, VA; 6 grandchildren: Dominic, Donovan, Tristan, Cassandra, Delilah, and Lucas; a sister and brother-in-law, Gladys Lloyd and Dave Lloyd of Waldorf, MD; a sister, Suzanne Nole of Jacksonville, FL; a sister and brother-in-law, Georgia Montes and Leslie Montes of Fleming Island, FL; a brother, Sergio Escalona of Houston, TX; a sister, Beverly Escalona-Aviles of Houston, TX; a sister, Valerie Escalona of Houston, TX; a brother, Alfredo Escalona of Gurabo, Puerto Rico; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life to acknowledge, validate, and memorialize Rafael’s indelible impact on our lives is planned for July, 2024. Inurnment at Arlington National Cemetery to take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Rafael’s name to the Wounded Warrior Project.