Rafael "Rafy" Hernandez

With a heavy heart, we announce the passing of Rafael (“Rafy”) Hernández, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Rafy peacefully departed this life surrounded by his family on March 10, 2024, at the age of 83.

Rafy was born on July 29, 1940, in Villalba, Puerto Rico, to his late parents Otilia Falcón and Maximino Hernández. He migrated to the United States at the age of 21 and settled in Newark, New Jersey.

In the early 60s, Rafy married the love of his life, Luz (“Lucy”) Pabón. He was the backbone of his family, the patriarch, always instilling the values of family, God’s teachings, and the love for your fellow man.

Rafy dedicated his life to his family and his faith. He was a devout Catholic and enjoyed doing God’s work within the community, a role he deeply cherished. Whether someone needed a ride to a doctor’s appointment or church or a helping hand or a plate of food for the homeless, Rafy was always just a phone call away with his rosary at hand. His selflessness was prevalent in all his actions.

Known for his humor, you always left the room laughing or with a smile on your face. From dancing to playing dominoes to making pasteles, the simplest things always left those around him with the best memories. He enjoyed praying for everyone and was a light like no other. He was a mentor to those within the community and was seen as a father figure to many.

He was predeceased by his loving wife, Lucy, and is survived by his adored sister, Luz Maria; four children, Rafael Jr. (Sonia), Janette (José), David (Vilmaries), and Orlando (Rose); his ten grandchildren, Jessica (Desiree), Rafael III (Jennifer), David Jonathan, Jose Jr. (Danielle), Xavier (Matthew), Giovanny, Orlando, Briana, Emmanuel, and Christian; along with four great-grandchildren Fernando, Graycelyn, Harlee and Julián and dozens of nieces and nephews.

May his legacy of being a good human being, faith, and kindness live on in the hearts and memories of all who knew and loved him. May he rest in eternal peace.

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A visitation for Rafy will be held on Friday, March 15, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Krowicki McCracken Funeral Home, 2124 East Saint George Ave, Linden. Rafy will be buried in his beloved Villalba, Puerto Rico, on Wednesday, March 20, 2024.

Con gran dolor en el alma, anunciamos el fallecimiento de Rafael ("Rafy") Hernández, un querido esposo, padre, abuelo y bisabuelo. Rafy partió pacíficamente de esta vida rodeado de su familia el 10 de marzo de 2024, a la edad de 83 años.

Rafy nació el 29 de julio de 1940 en Villalba, Puerto Rico, de sus difuntos padres Otilia Falcón y Maximino Hernández. Emigró a Estados Unidos a los 21 años y se estableció en Newark, Nueva Jersey.

A principios de los 60, Rafy se casó con el amor de su vida, Luz ("Lucy") Pabón. Fue la columna vertebral de su familia, el patriarca, inculcando siempre los valores de la familia, las enseñanzas de Dios y el amor al prójimo.

Rafy dedicó su vida a su familia y a su fe. Era un católico devoto y disfrutaba haciendo el trabajo de Dios dentro de la comunidad, un papel que apreciaba profundamente. Tanto si alguien necesitaba que le llevaran a una cita con el médico o a la iglesia como si necesitaba una mano o un plato de comida para los desamparados, Rafy siempre estaba a una llamada de distancia con su rosario a mano. Su generosidad prevalecía en todas sus acciones.

Conocido por su humor, siempre salías riendo o con una sonrisa en la cara. Desde bailar hasta jugar dominó o hacer pasteles, las cosas más simples siempre dejaban a los que lo rodeaban con los mejores recuerdos. Disfrutaba rezando por todos y era una luz como ninguna otra. Era un mentor para los miembros de la comunidad y muchos lo consideraban una figura paterna.

Le precedió su amada esposa, Lucy, y le sobrevive su adorada hermana, Luz María; sus cuatro hijos, Rafael Jr (Sonia), Janette (José), David (Vilmaries) y Orlando (Rose); sus diez nietos, Jessica (Desiree), Rafael III (Jennifer), David Jonathan, Jose Jr (Danielle), Xavier (Matthew), Giovanny, Orlando, Briana, Emmanuel y Christian; junto con cuatro bisnietos Fernando, Graycelyn, Harlee y Julián y docenas de sobrinas y sobrinos.

Que su legado de ser un buen ser humano, fe y bondad perdure en los corazones y recuerdos de todos los que le conocieron y amaron. Que descanse en paz eterna.

Una visita para Rafy se llevará a cabo el viernes, 15 de marzo 2024, de 5pm a 9pm en Krowicki McCracken Funeral Home, 2124 East Saint George Ave, Linden. Rafy será enterrado en su querido Villalba, Puerto Rico, el miércoles 20 de marzo de 2024.