Obituary of Rafael Zayas

Rafael Zayas died peacefully at Northern Metropolitan nursing home on July 14 in Monsey, NY at the age of 95. Rafael is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Nydia, daughters Irma Ramos, Rebecca Zayas & Lizette Zayas, and son Adam Zayas. He is preceded in death by his sister Tomasa and his sons Rafael Jr. and Walter. Rafael was blessed to have 10 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. Rafael was born in 1920 on October 24th, the feast day of St Rafael the Archangel, in Penuelas, Puerto Rico, to Juan Jose Zayas and Victoria Estrada Hernandez de Zayas. His first job was cutting sugar cane for 25 cents a day. A veteran of WWII, Rafael was stationed in British Guiana. His most vivid memory from that time was of tying down dirigibles used to scout for German U-boats and Italian submarines in the Caribbean. He returned to Penuelas where he met Nydia Toro y Figueroa and married her 2 months later in 1946. After moving to the Bronx, NYC, Rafael began working for First National City Bank (now Citibank). Rafael and Nydia lived in the Bronxdale Housing projects, now Sonia Sotomayor Housing, where they raised all their children. He retired from Citibank in 1986. The couple had four children, and welcomed seven foster children into their home adopting two of them. His children remember him as a gracious, patient, and giving father who encouraged them to strive for their best. Rafael was a dedicated member of St. Peter's Catholic Church. Viewing is scheduled for Monday afternoon, July 18th from 2-4 and 7-9pm at T.J. McGowan Sons Funeral Home at 133 Broadway, Haverstraw, NY 10927. Father James Cruz will offer prayers during the evening viewing. The funeral will be held at the same place on Tuesday, July 19th at 9:30 am. Internment will be at the Frederich Loescher Veterans Memorial Cemetery. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Rafael's life. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Alzheimers Foundation of America. Condolences can be sent to 351 Country Club Lane, Pomona, NY. The family would like to thank the caregivers at Northern Metropolitan Nursing Home for their kindness, care & dedication.