Raphael Remigio Emiliano Gonzalez, 18, of Niagara Falls, NY went home to our Lord on Monday, February 1, 2016. Raphael was born to loving parents Barbara and Remi on August 3, 1997.

In his short 18 years of life, Raphael would walk into a room and brighten it up with his contagious smile, little dimples and big brown eyes. He attended Prince of Peace Elementary School, St. Dominic Savio Middle School and graduated from Niagara Catholic High School with studies in auto mechanics from BOCES Technical School.

After graduating from high school, Raphael started working for Joe Cecconi's Chrysler Complex as his passion for cars and mechanics was something very close to his heart. He also had a passion for kickboxing which he attended classes every week with his father, brothers, sisters and friends. Most of all, Raphael most enjoyed driving his 1972 Buick Skylark. Raphael will be missed forever.

Raphael is remembered by his mother and father Barbara (Maroon) and Remi Gonzalez, his brothers Michael (Shannon) Gonzalez and Gabriel (fiancé Aimee Bruno) Gonzalez, N.F.P.D.; his sisters Raquel (Chris) Satarian and Noelle Gonzalez; his grandmother Maria (late Quitano 'Poncho') Gonzalez; his loving Uncle Savino (Uncle Bum) and Aunt Toni; nieces and nephews Madison, Miquel, Carmyn and Anthony as well as many loving Maroon and Gonzalez aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. He was predeceased by his grandparents Helen and Joseph Maroon.

Visitation will be on Thursday from 3 – 8 p.m. at the
M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY ROAD, NIAGARA FALLS, NY. Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, February 5th at 10 a.m. at Divine Mercy Church, 2437 Niagara Street, Niagara Falls, NY with Rev. Jerry Bartko officiating. EVERYONE PLEASE ASSEMBLE AT CHURCH. Entombment in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Lewiston, NY. In lieu of flowers donations in Raphael's memory may be made to St. Vincent DePaul Food Pantry at Divine Mercy R.C. Parish, 2437 Niagara Street, Niagara Falls, NY 14303 or to the Summit Life Outreach Center, 1622 Pine Avenue, Niagara Falls, NY 14301.