Rafael Esteban Rosario

Rafael Esteban Rosario, was born in San Juan Puerto Rico in 1961. He came to Florida in 1989, where he lived for several years doing landscaping work. In 1996, he moved to Illinois where he met his wife of 18 years Dawn Rosario, who had a 3 year old daughter ( Julia Sangkawatana) at the time, whom he cared for and raised as his own. Most of his family lives in Puerto Rico, including 2 daughters, Melanie Rosario and Melissa Rosario, 5 grandchildren, his father ( deceased) Rafael Rosario , mother Carmen Rosa Giraud, 2 brothers Ramon and Rene, and sister Rebecca Rosario, as well as 3 half siblings, one of which is in CO. 2 uncles and some cousins live in the Orlando area.

In 2003, the trucking company he worked for Sygma was able to transfer him to the Orlando area, as he was " a tropical guy" and didn't like the cold up North! He has since worked for a few different trucking companies in Florida, including his most recent employment at C&S Wholesale Grocers ( delivering for Winn Dixie) working at both the Orlando and Plant City locations, since 2007. He enjoyed riding his road bike on the West Orange trail ( and many other Fl bike trails) with some of his work friends. And at times with me, his wife, Dawn. He also enjoyed the hobby of flying remote control planes , helicopters, and most recently , drones . He was also very good at setting up and taking care of our many aquariums in our house . We also enjoyed spending time in our backyard planting flowers and watching the many birds who visit our bird feeders everyday. Going to the beach and several Parks on both coasts we're also something our family enjoyed. He loved to laugh and joke and quote movies ( which has rubbed off on me and Julia) , always saying or doing something to make others laugh. That is probably what most people will remember about him is his sense of humor , that's what I first loved about him from the first day I met him. He was an awesome husband and father and always thinking of what is best for us, even when he wasn't feeling well, he was always worrying about me. His laughter and sense of humor will live on in the hearts of all who knew him and loved him.

During our difficult times we we're blessed to be helped by 2 local charities, ( as well as family and my choir friends). The charities both are families who have lost loved ones to cancer and now give financial support to other families who are struggling with Cancer . In lieu of flowers, we would be so grateful if donations could be given to these charities in Rafael's honor. They are JCCF which is JIMMY CRABTREE CANCER FUND and The Barber Fund. Either a check written to the charity can be left at the services, and I can deliver it to them personally or you may go to their website. It is our way of giving back. Thank you, and I'm sure Rafael will be looking down and smiling at your love and generosity.