Rafael served in the US Navy during the Vietnam War and worked as a chef in civil service. He moved to Brevard County in 1955, was a member of Saint Mary's and Blessed Sacrament Catholic churches and the VFW.
He is survived by his wife, Yolanda Velasquez; sons, Terry and Michaelle Woodbury, Gregorio and Mary Grace Velasquez, Alexander and Josefina Velasquez; daughters, Vivian and Noel Remillard, Angela and Gregory O'Leary; 13 grandchildren, Stephanie, Joshua, Anthony, Alex, Kristen, Sierra, Christopher, Brandi, Megan, Marcorio, Alexander, Jr., Gregory, Jr. and Jessica; great-grandchildren, Kaydance, Cory, Kaydence, Brynn, Autumn, Mckenzie and Gregory, III.
There will be a visitation from 1-2 pm, on Wednesday, April 4, 2012, at Florida Memorial Funeral Home followed by a funeral service in the chapel at 2 pm. Entombment will follow at Florida Memorial Gardens.
