Raphael Rodriguez

Raphael Rodriguez, 72, formerly of Spring Township, died September 10, 2017 at ManorCare Health Services, Spring Township. 

He was the husband of Donna Marie (Shade) Rodriguez, to whom he was married July 23, 2008.

Born July 21, 1945 in Arecibo, Puerto Rico, he was a son of the late Rafael and Maria G. (Gonzaelz) Rodriguez.

Ray was a 1966 graduate of Reading High School.

He was honorably discharged from the U.S. Navy in 1964.

Ray was employed as a grinder with Carpenter Technologies for 25 years, retiring in 2002.

Ray was a member of St. Ignatius Loyola Roman Catholic Church, Whitfield.

Also surviving are his three sons: Michael, husband of Melissa Rodriguez of Spring Township; David Rodriguez of Pine Grove and Christopher, husband of Michelle Rodriguez of Reading.

Other survivors include his three stepchildren: Lisa Lesko of Sinking Spring, Brian McCarty of Cockeysville, MD and Lori Niedrowski of Wyomissing.

In addition, he is survived by his two sisters, Mirta I. Cortes of Reading and Gloria E. Galan of Bern Township.

There are seven grandchildren, Amanda, Jessica, Solana, Ryan, Christopher, Jr., Genesis and Pablo; seven step grandchildren, Carter, Hunter, Ryan, Evan, Isabella, Collin and Tyler and three great grandchildren: Caleb, Timothy and Emma.

Prayer Services will be held Thursday at 11 a.m. at Stitzel Family Funeral Homes & Crematory, Inc., 3300 Kutztown Road, Laureldale.  Burial will be in Gethsemane Cemetery, Muhlenberg Township.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to:  American Heart Association, P.O. Box 15120, Chicago, IL 60693.

For online condolences, visit www.StitzelFamilyFuneralHomes.com.