Rafael’s journey in this life began on October 8, 1945, located at the foot of the Arandas Hill in Irapuato, Guanajuato Mexico. The city is nicknamed, “Ciudad de las Fresas” (City of the Strawberries). Rafael was the third child of his 5 siblings raised by their beautiful mother Consuelo Renteria Rangel, in his home located on “El Cinco de Febrero.” Rafael began working from a very young age to help his mother, at the young age of 13, he learned how to make shoes in a shop in Irapuato. Rafael also worked with his mother and his older brother Roberto at a clothing factory called “Titan”.
Soccer was Rafael’s passion in life! He started playing soccer at the young age of 10 with the neighborhood kids at their local field called “El Campito.” By age 12, Rafael was playing soccer for a local church for the “JCM San Calletano” soccer team and later the “El 5 de Febrero” team. Because of Rafael’s tremendous skills and reputation as a hard-working player, he was selected to play for “La Superior”, the premier team at the time. Rafael always held his big brother Roberto’s soccer skills in high regard and often looked up to Roberto for tips. Rafael and Roberto eventually played on the same teams and together were unstoppable!
At age 18, Rafael began his service with the Mexican Military in Irapuato, Guanajuato Mexico. During his service in the military, Rafael played soccer for the military under the “National Mexican League”. In this prestigious league, Rafael played against teams from every state in Mexico, and at the end of the season was awarded the Gold Medal for “Best Player” in his league. Already in love with his soon to be wife Maria, who he affectionately called “Lola”, Rafael romantically gave the gold medal to her as a sign of his love and commitment. Upon completion of his military service, Rafael was recruited by the professional soccer team “El Irapuato” de la Liga Primera Division, however, due to his fierce loyalty to his current team, Las Chivas de Guadalajara, he declined the offer and continued to play soccer locally.
October 18, 1969, Rafael married the love of his life Maria Dolores Villalobos in Irapuato Guanajuato Mexico.
After Rafael and Maria married, they lived in Irapuato where Rafael tried his hand in the restaurant business, where he sold food and meals to construction workers at the Ciudad Industrial site. Looking a better financial future for his growing family, at age 25, Rafael immigrated to the United States on July 4, 1971. A short time after migrating to the U.S., Maria arrived with their two young daughters and settled in Santa Ana, California. Rafael embraced the local soccer scene and played for “El Santa Ana” soccer league. Rafael earned the nick named “El Ventanas” because he lost one of his front teeth in a fierce soccer match. Rafael began working in the boat maintenance industry with his brother Roberto. Rafael found his career passion in working on boats and worked in the boat industry all over the beach cities in Southern California.
In his private life, Rafael enjoyed old Spanish movies with Jorge Negrete, Antonio Aguilar, Pedro Infante and Cantiflas. His favorite music was Spanish / Mexican Ballads, and for him no one was better at that music than Javier Solis! Rafael always remained an extremely modest, respectful and humble man devoted to his family and God. Rafael was blessed with five children, 4 grandchildren, and one great grandchild.
He is survived by his 5 children; Sylvia, Alejandra, Rafael Junior, Zacarias, and Angelica and his four grandchildren, Steven, Sophia, Sabrina, Leila, and great grandchild Daniel.
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