RODRIGUEZ, Rafael- Of Chelsea, March 1st. Devoted husband of Nelida (Rivera). Loving son of Rafael Rodriguez of Puerto Rico and the late Florentina (Rivera) Rodriguez. Beloved father of Rafael Rodriguez of Chelsea, Nancy Ruperto of Revere, Madeline Rodriguez of Chelsea and Xavier Antonelli of Boston. Dear brother of Felicita, Margarita and Hermes Rodriguez all of Puerto Rico and Gelbert Rodriguez of Gardner. Cherished grandfather of Isaias Ruperto, Jr., Kristy Ruperto, Nancy J. Ruperto, Tania Rodriguez, Rudy Rodriguez and Suelaine Gibson. Also lovingly survived by his great grandchildren Giselle Ruperto and Niya Guevara as well as many nieces and nephews. Family and friends are kindly invited to attend a Graveside Service on Tuesday morning, March 4th at 10 AM in Woodlawn Cemetery, 302 Elm Street, Everett. Visiting Hours in the Smith Funeral Home on Monday from 4-8 PM.
Born in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico and settling in Chelsea over 30 years ago, Rafael passed away at home after a courageous battle with cancer. For many years he was employed as a mechanic at the Merritt Park Service Station on Eastern Avenue.