Rafael Alvarez was born on March 11, 1955, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, to his parents, Rafael Alvarez Sr. and Rosa Alvarez. He was the first of two children. His family moved to Puerto Rico, where he was raised in a Catholic household. Rafael migrated to the United States in the early 1970s, settling in the City of New York in the Borough of Queens, where he worked at a pen factory. While working there, he met his wife to be, Helene Haynes.

Rafael met Helene Haynes in the year of 1976, and they were married on September 2, 1978. A union that lasted 44 years. This union was blessed with three children. Rafael and Helene then resided in Manhattan, where they had their first two children. A year later, they moved to Staten Island and, eight years later, had their third child. Rafael worked for Sun Chemicals in the pigment department for a number of years. He also worked as a carpenter. He was very good with his hands, especially when it came to fixing things.

Rafael was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He was a family man and didn't care too much about what went on in the outside world. He was a man of very few words and showed it through his actions. He liked exercising, playing cards and dominos, golf, car and horse racing, and would always make his way down to Off Track Betting. He liked telling witty jokes.

Rafael departed this life on November 27, 2022. He leaves to mourn and cherish fond memories: his devoted wife, Helene; his son, Gabriel; his two daughters, Melinda and Elizabeth; his two grandchildren, Carlene and David; his mother, Rosa; his sister, Melody; brothers-in-law, Edward, Elliot, Frederick, Earl, Perry, and Jimmy; sisters-in-law, Antoinette, Carol and Debra; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and dear friends,

Rafael will be dearly missed by all whose lives he touched.

Lovingly submitted by the family.