Joseph Raphael, III

Joseph Raphael III, 53, died peacefully at home in South Dartmouthon Thursday, January 21, 2010 surrounded by his loving family, friends and his beloved dog, Lily.He was born in Acushnet, the son of the late Joseph Raphael Jr. and Edale W. (Brown) Raphael.A maintenance man for the Fairhaven School Department, Joe was a skilled carpenter whose work and renovations to his own home speak for themselves as to the care and love he put into everything he touched. Fondly remembered for his love of space memorabilia and model cars, his collections will be treasured and hold many memories for those he shared that part of himself with. He is survived by his life partner of 27 years, Sheila Duarte and a daughter, Melissa Raphael both of So. Dartmouth; three step-children, Alicia Duarte of Oxford, MA, Ryan Duarte of New Bedford and Tracey Duarte of So. Dartmouth; four sisters, Rosemary McManus of New Bedford, Carol Blackburn-Hospice RN of Norway, Maine, Susan Bumpus and Diana Raphael and a brother, Richard Raphael all of New Bedford; four grandchildren, Kaila, Alexis, Devin and Kyle; and many nieces and nephews.His funeral service will be held on Monday, January 25, 2010 at 10am in the Waring-Sullivan Home of Memorial Tribute at Dartmouth, 230 Russells Mills Rd. Visiting hours on Sunday 2-6pm. Burial will be in South Dartmouth Cemetery.