On April 11, 1920, a force for good was born in San German, Puerto Rico. Rafael was the oldest of three boys (Rafael, Mario, and Angel.), born to Monserrate Chervoni Sanabria in the countryside of Puerto Rico.
Rafael labored as he grew up by walking several miles to school every day and attending to his chores at home, as did his entire family, with the simplicities and struggles of the early 1900s. His family lived with the bare minimum to sustain a productive life. Rafael recalled burying his food in the ground to maintain its longevity as one of many examples they experienced for sustainability.
At the age of 17, Rafael graduated from High School and then began a study in civil engineering: during that time, Rafael married his first wife, Petra Julia Moreu. Shortly thereafter, Rafael joined the army (Officer’s Candidate School), where he studied to be an officer. Later, Lieutenant Colonel Rafael D. Chervoni served in WWII and the Korean War as a member of the Army Corps of Engineers. He was always ambitious and determined to do better and be better. When Rafael returned shortly thereafter, they had two children named Maria and Rafael Jr. His wife became ill with cancer and passed away. Petra was survived by her two children. Rafael cared for his children and made a life for himself, working as a Civil Engineer in Puerto Rico.
At the age of 56, Rafael and Alina Sanchez rekindled their friendship and married on December 19, 1977, harmonious marriage of 44 years. He became a stepfather to Marilyn, Jose, and Evelyn, unconditionally fulfilling his role as a loving husband and father. He became the patriarch and spiritual leader of our family. Many of us relied on his strength, wisdom, and love. He was a man of integrity, humility, and, great faith. Our beloved Rafael is survived by five children, multiple nieces and nephews, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers please make donations in Rafael's memory to
the Lakewood Spanish, Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) Church
PO Box 14 Lakewood, NJ 08701.
For service information or to leave a message of condolence please visit rafaelchervoni.life
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