Rafael Perez, passed away November 23, 2011, he was a man that lived wholeheartedly.He was born in 1980 in Massachusetts to Rafael and Maribel Perez.Although he lost his father at a very young age, Rafael had a loving sister and brother, Cassy and Chris, devoted mother and a plentitude of uncles and aunts at his side.In the mid 1990's his mother relocated their family to Tampa, FL in search of a better life for their family.While growing up in Tampa, Rafael spent most of his time with his beloved Uncle Willie, Aunt Diana and cousins Willie and Vanessa, who soon became more than cousins and he often referred to them as brother and sister.In 1997, Rafael met the love of his life Jeanette.In an effort to provide a future for his beloved, Rafael joined the US Navy in 1997.While on leave in Tampa, Rafael married Jeanette on November 12, 1999, just three days before his 19th birthday. After his return from deployment in the middle east, Rafael and his bride moved to Jacksonville, FL in April of 2000.Just three months later, Rafael became a father and named his son Rafael Elias Perez III.In an effort to keep his family close, Rafael relocated his small family back to Tampa.While living in Town and Country, Rafael's wife became pregnant with their second child, Taina Elyse Perez, who was born in February 2003.A few years later, he became an uncle to Aidan, Alina, Marilyza and Nate Jr.Rafael relished spending time with his family and could often be found playing video games with his son or watching movies with his daughter.He felt his greatest achievement in life were his children, who along with their mother, grandmother, great grandmother, uncles, aunts and numerous cousins thank the Almighty for the privilege of having known such a man as Rafael Perez.May we all live and love as wholeheartedly as he.
The family will receive friends Tuesday, November 29th fro 4-8 pm with a service beginning at 6 PM at MacDonald Funeral Home, 10520 North Florida Ave, Tampa.
In lieu of flowers, send contributions directly to the family.

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MacDonald Funeral Home