Sebastiano Rafala
February 2, 1936 - January 23, 2023
Sebastiano Rafala, 86, formerly of New Haven, of North Haven, passed away on Monday, January 23 at Mary Wade Nursing Home with his daughter and son-in-law by his side.
Born February 2, 1936, in Mellili, Sicilia, Italy, Sebastiano was devoted to family and believed in working hard. He immigrated to Connecticut and fell in love with the red-headed girl next door, Linda Louise Kelly. They married and had three children whom they loved dearly. Sebastiano was known for his gardening and wine making skills. He gladly shared his produce with family and friends. His wine was a hit at the St. Sebastian feast. Sebastiano was deeply devoted to his wife and lovingly cared for her throughout her illness until she entered heaven's gates on February 11, 2022. These last months he missed her dearly and talked of her every day, looking forward to placing flowers on her gravesite.
Sebastiano is survived by his children Lucia Rafala (Carlos), Carmelo Rafala (Amanda), and Marco Rafala (Camellia) as well as his grandchildren Abigail and Eric Couvertier-Rafala and Isabella Rafala of the UK. He is also survived by his brothers and sisters as well as several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Carmelo and Lucia Rafala.
A service will be held at 10:00 on February 3rd, at D'Angelo's Funeral Home at 22 South Main Street in Middletown, Connecticut. For the safety of everyone, masks are required for entry and will be provided for those without. Social distancing guidelines will also be observed. Burial will be at 11:30 on February 3rd at All Saints Cemetery at 700 Middletown Avenue in North Haven. A Catholic Mass will be scheduled at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Sebastiano's memory may be made to Mary Wade, New Haven or Connecticut Hospice of Branford.
The family would like to thank the Staff of Mary Wade and Connecticut Hospice of Branford for their loving care of Sebastiano. They would also like to thank Bob and Barbara Westendorff, the Couvertier family and NHPS for their support during this difficult time.