Obituary of Rafael Sanchez Marquez

Rafael Sanchez Marquez, 85, of Amsterdam, NY, has gone to his eternal rest on Monday, November 4th, 2019.

Born on March 28th, 1934 in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, he was the son of the late Juan Sanchez and Francisca Marquez. Rafael attended and graduated from schools in Puerto Rico. In 1950 he decided to relocate to New York to start a new chapter in his life. He married his best friend and love of his life Angelina Rios in 1984. It was a strong union that lasted until her passing on December 30th, 2006. Rafael was a jack of all trades. Not only did he do what was necessary to take care of his family, but he wasn’t afraid to take on new jobs or learn new things.

Rafael had a deep love for racehorses. Growing up in Puerto Rico he worked at a racetrack caring for the horses when they returned to the stables. He befriended many of the jockeys, but one friendship that was special to him was the one that he formed with a thoroughbred horse racing jockey named Angel Tomas Cordero Jr. Rafael both admired and was proud of Angel’s accomplishments as his friend went on to become one of the fastest race jockeys and was even the first Puerto Rican to be inducted into the United States Racing Hall of Fame. Rafael enjoyed checking to see if the numbers were in his favor, he loved to try his luck at the casino, or the racetrack. He loved baseball and was an avid New York Yankees fan, he also had a deep appreciation for music. He knew all the songs from 110th Street Manhattan. Rafael grew up and hung around a lot of older musicians. He loved to share his stories and experiences of the musicians in the 1950’s era. In addition to having an ear for music he also had the voice. Rafael was a talented singer who enjoyed sharing his gift with the audiences who would be present during his choir performances. He loved to cook and is best known for his delicious pasteles.

Rafael was a kindhearted, sincere, and a magnetizing person. He was a joker with an incredible sense of humor and a presence that was larger than life. His absence will be deeply felt but his memory will carry on in hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Rafael is survived by his son, Manuel (Carmen) Irizarry; his granddaughters, Angela Irizarry, Lisa Velez, Amy Fallas, and Melissa Velez; his great grandchildren, Manny Irizarry, Ramel Sheppard, Savannah Carr, Nelizza Irizarry, Mikey Irizarry, Tatianna Fallas, James A. Fallas, Kron Fallas, and Renzo Fallas. He is also survived by a brother as well as many more loving close family and friends. Rafael is predeceased by his beloved wife Angelina; and his parents.

 Memorial gather will take place later this month and will be held at the discretion of the family. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Betz, Rossi, & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Ave, Amsterdam. To express your condolences to the family, or to light a virtual candle for Rafael please visit our online memorial at www.brbsfuneral.com.