Cover photo for Rafael Antonio Colon's Obituary
Rafael Antonio Colon Profile Photo
In Memory Of
Rafael Antonio Colon
1945 2023

Rafael Antonio Colon

November 20, 1945 — June 5, 2023

Rafael Antonio Colón

Rafael Colon, age 77, of Longwood, Florida passed away on Monday, June 5, 2023.

He was born on November 20, 1945 in Rincon, Puerto Rico, to parents Antonio Colon Escobar and Aracelia Matias Tirado.

Rafael served in the US. Military for 31 years. In his years in the military, he was an 82nd Airborne Division Paratrooper, an NCOIC of special operations USARSO for USSOUTHCOM, an Instructor for ROTCs, and a drill sergeant at Auburn University. He retired in 1993 as a Master Sergeant. While Rafael's military and award history were extensive to this day his highest and most precious achievements to him were his wife, children, and grandchildren.

Rafael is survived by his wife of nearly 50 years, Emilia Colon, and his three children and their families: his son Guarionex Rafael Colon and his wife Kelli, his daughter Joracaeliz Colon and her spouse Richey Yohman and his son Urayoan Antonio Colon and his wife Melisa Colon. He is also survived by 8 grandchildren: Kayla Colon, Azalia Yohman, Mia Colon, Brianna Colon, Marianna Colon, Gabriela Colon, Alexander Colon and Serena Colon and his sister, Mercedes Valentine.

A "cacique" to his family, a tribal chief that will forever be a prominent figure in stories of his days – whether they be of his numerous travels across the globe, the laughs he led with his powerful smile, or the war cries he energetically created in support of his beloved Seminoles all from the "areito" of his back porch. The generations he leaves behind will carry on his legacy.

Rafael Colón, edad 77, de Longwood Florida, falleció Lunes, 5 de Junio del 2023.
El nació el 20 de Noviember del 1945 en Rincón , Puerto Rico, a padres Antonio Colón Escobar y Aracelia Matias Tirado.

Rafael sirvió en el ejército de los Estados Unidos por 31 años. En esos años en el ejército el sirvió como un paracaidista en la Division 82nd Airborne, fue un NOIC de operaciones especiales de USARSO para USSOUTHCOM, un instructor para la unidad de ROTC y fue un Sargento de instrucción para la Universidad the Auburn. Rafael se retiro en 1993 debajo del título de Sargento Mayor. La historia military de Rafael fue grandioso y extensive pero el logro mas grande de el fue su esposa, sus hijos y su nietos.

Rafael es sobrevivido por su esposa de 50 años Emilia Colon y sus tres hijos y sus familias. Su hijo mayor Guarionex Rafael Colón y la esposa Kelli Paladino, su hija Joracaeliz Colón y el compañero Richey Yohman y su hijo menor Urayoan Antonio Colón y la esposa Melisa Colón. El Tambien es sobrevivido por sus 8 nietos: Kayla Colón, Azalia Yohman, Mia Colón, Brianna Colón, Marianna Colón, Gabriela Colón, Alexander Colón and Serena Colón y su hermana Mercedes Valentine.

Rafael era el cacique de su familia, sera siempre un punto céntrico en varias historias que hablarán de sus aventuras por el globo, las carcajadas que empezaron por su sonrisa contagiosa or por los gritos de batalla que empazaro por el apoyo a sus queridos Seminoles. La mayoría de estos recuerdos empezaran en su propio Areíto , su hogar. Su legado no termina aquí , siguera con las historias de su familia y amistades.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Rafael Antonio Colon, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Visitation

Wednesday, June 21, 2023

10:00 - 11:00 am (Eastern time)

Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions

335 East State Road 434, Longwood, FL 32750

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Service

Wednesday, June 21, 2023

Starts at 11:00 am (Eastern time)

Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions

335 East State Road 434, Longwood, FL 32750

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Interment

Cape Canaveral National Cemetery

5525 U.S. 1, Mims, FL 32754

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