Rafael Gonzalez Obituary (1958 - 2024)

It is with profound sorrow and a deep sense of loss that we announce the passing of Rafael Gonzalez, who left us on January 17, 2024. Born on October 23, 1958, in McAllen, Texas, Rafael lived a full life defined by humble love and loyalty. A reliable pillar for his family and friends, Rafael dedicated his life to nurturing the bonds he held dear. His life was a testament to the power of love, resilience, and the undying spirit of family unity. After the death of his beloved wife, Deborah, Rafael found solace in the joy of his family, especially his cherished granddaughter, Emma Rein Gonzalez. Rafael was a man of many passions. He loved spending time at South Padre Island, where he found peace and solace in fishing. A loyal companion to his family, he cherished every moment spent with his loved ones. His dedication was steadfast, and his love was unwavering. As a young man, he competed in mud racing competitions, showcasing his adventurous spirit and love for life. He was also crowned 'Best Grandpa Ever,' a title he wore with immense pride. What mattered most to Rafael was his family and his work, and he dedicated his life to both with unwavering commitment. Rafael is survived by his daughter, Debriana Monroe, and his son, Rafael Jr. He was preceded in death by his father Modesto Gonzalez, his mother Maria Gonzalez, his wife Deborah Gonzalez, and his brother Modesto Jr. Public visitation will be held on Monday, January 22, 2024, at 4:00 PM CST at the Brown Family Funeral Home in Mission, followed by a Rosary at 7:00 PM CST. A mass will be conducted in his honor on Tuesday, January 23, 2024, at 12:00 PM CST at the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in McAllen. Following the mass, Rafael will be laid to rest at the Valley Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Mission at 1:00 PM CST. We invite those who knew Rafael to share their memories and upload photos to his memorial page. Your shared experiences and stories will help us all remember this humble, loyal, reliable, and loving man, and keep his spirit alive within us.