Mr. Rafael Antonio Santos passed away on Saturday, May 8, 2021, at McLaren Greater Lansing Hospital. Age 58 years. He was born June 19, 1962, in Chicago, Illinois, to parents, Angelica Castro and Rafael Santos. Known to many as “Ralph” or “Big Ralphy”, Ralph was one in a million. His charismatic, thoughtful, loving, and comedic attitude could bring joy to the darkest of days.
Ralph was one of many children in a large family. Having been born into a big family had its perks, and disappointments. Sometimes, you got the first glass of kool-a-aid, but sometimes you got the smallest piece of pie. Either way, family was family, and that’s what Ralph stood for. He received such joy from his family and loved helping others.
To know Ralph, was to love him, and to love him, meant you knew of his love for food. His love for food almost exceeded his will to live. From Jibaritos, to Puerto Rican chicken and rice, to fries at Mickey D’s – he loved it all. In fact, he loved food so much, he fancied himself “Grill Lord, All Mighty”. Amongst other hobbies and past times, Ralph loved to sing and dance. He was known to “cut a rug” at the drop of a dime.
Whether you addressed him as Rafael, Ralph, Ralphy, or Tank, his embrace was always that of love. He was the people’s champ, a lover and a fighter, a protector and a provider.
Ralph leaves to cherish his memory daughter, Elyshia (Dometrice) Otero-Allen; son, Rafael Santos, Jr.; grandchildren, Malachi, James, Jr., and Olyxander; brothers, Miguel, Juan, Ruben, Roger, and Reynaldo; sisters, Maritza and Migdalia; former wife, and best friend, Vicky Garcia; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Angelica Castro and Rafael Santos; nephew, Freddie; and sister, Ruthie Wilson.
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