Rafael Machado

Rafael Machado, 77, of Worcester, MA, died March 27, 2012, peacefully at his home. Rafael Machado was born March 25, 1935, in Manati, Puerto Rico, to Angel Machado and Theresa Maldonado. His surviving siblings are: Margarita Espino and Francisco Machado. He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Rosa Olga Machado, and his four children: Jose R. Machado and his wife Haidee of Oxford, Alma Rosa Makowski and her husband Jerry Makowski of Brendington, FL., Edwin Machado, and Adrian Machado and his wife Yenaida Gonzalez of Worcester. Rafael was a loving uncle to: Jose L. Machado, Wanda Taylor, Nydia Machado, Rolando Rios, and Felipe Rios and several nieces and nephews. He also left behind 7 grandchildren: Jerry Makowski, Jose R. Machado Jr., Crystal Lyn Makowski, Andre Machado, Nick Machado, Carlos Machado, and Adrian Marcos Machado and four great grandchildren. He was known to be a "father" to many other family members and to be a great confidant to his friends. Rafael Machado worked at Quining Felt as a Supervisor for ten years before retiring in 1973. He previously worked for Rex Nord as a chain manufacturer for the United States Navy. He was a Eucharistic minister while attending La Senora del Mar in Boquilla, P.R. and an active member of St. Pauls Cathedral and St. Joan of Arc in Worcester, MA. Rafael also received a prestigious award from President Nixon for his volunteerism in the Hispanic community. Rafael dedicated himself to his family and was a source of inspiration to his children and grandchildren to achieve the highest level of education which included a degree achieved by his granddaughter Crystal Lyn Makowski, Masters in Certified Rehab Counseling and Ed.D. Organizational Leadership and grandsons, Jerry Makowski, Bachelors in Accounting and Masters in Financing, Jose R. Machado Jr., Associates in Hotel and Restaurant Management and Andre Machado, Bachelors in Accounting. He was an avid Boston Red Sox fan, who would follow the team to Florida during spring training and the regular season. Rafael also enjoyed playing Dominos and card games (Ronda) with his friends and family. In his final days, he enjoyed doing puzzles with his youngest grandson, Adrian Marcos, age 3. Rafael Machado will be truly missed by his friends and family. The wisdom, love, support, and memories he imparted will be cherished forever. Services for Rafael will be held on Friday, March 30, 2012 from the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St., Worcester with a Mass at 10:00 a.m. in St. Joan of Arc Church, 570 Lincoln St., Worcester. Burial will follow in Notre Dame Cemetery. A period of calling hours will be held on Thursday, March 29th from 5 -8 p.m. in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to: St. Joan of Arc Church Building Fund, 570 Lincoln St., Worcester, MA. 01605. To share your thoughts and memories of Rafael, please visit his personal guestbook at: mercadantefuneral.com.