Randy George Rafael

Randy George Rafael, age 63, of Gnadenhutten, died unexpectedly, Tuesday evening, March 24, 2015 in Trinity Twin City Hospital at Dennison.

A son of the late Joanie (Cerella) and Pete Perazzi, and Alfred Rafael, Randy was born at Vallejo, California on August 3, 1951.

He attended St. Mary’s School at Dennison and ultimately graduated from Claymont High School in 1969. Randy then served his country in the United States Navy until 1971, where he was stationed at Pensacola, Florida.

On July 19, 1975, he married the former Marsha Rogers and together, the couple raised one son.

Randy recently retired from the former Stone Container/Graphic Packaging at New Philadelphia where he served the company for 40 years in the Maintenance Department as an Electrical Mechanical Technician.

He was an avid fisherman who greatly enjoyed catching Bass and Walleye. He looked forward to tournament fishing and taking fishing trips to Canada with his family. Additionally, Randy loved The Ohio State Buckeyes and enjoyed the company of his Black Lab, Brutus. Above all, Randy enjoyed the opportunities to spend time together with his family.

He leaves behind his wife of nearly 40 years, Marsha; their son, Ryan (Dana) Rafael of Green; his grandson, Reed, the light of his life; his siblings, Rick (Teresa) Rafael of Seattle, WA, Rod (Diane) Rafael of Dennison, Becky (Doug) Wagner of New Philadelphia, and Melissa (Chris) Shamel of Tuscarawas.

Other survivors include his nieces and nephews and many lifelong friends, whom he considered to be family.

In addition to his father, mother, and step-father, Randy is preceded in death by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Ted and Marie Rogers.

The family will greet guests on Monday, March 30, 2015 from 4:00 – 7:00 PM in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia. An additional hour of visitation will be held on Tuesday from 12:30 – 1:30 PM in the funeral home’s chapel. Pastor Rebecca Sisley, will lead a service celebrating Randy’s life at 1:30 PM. Burial with military honors will follow in the Gnadenhutten Clay Union Cemetery. Following the services, a meal and fellowship will be shared in the Sharon Moravian Church Social Hall.

Memorial contributions in Randy’s name may be directed to Community Hospice, 716 Commercial Avenue SW, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663.