Rafael Acevedo

Rafael  Acevedo Sr. found peace on January 30, 2023 surrounded by his loved ones at the age of 75, after a long battle with cancer. Rafael was born on March 28, 1947, in Aguadilla , Puerto Rico to his loving parents, Natalio Acevedo and Monserrate Ramos-Acevedo. In the early 1950s, the family came to Milwaukee and settled on the east side. By the late 1960s, the family had moved to the Riverwest neighborhood.

Rafael put his family above all else but was quick to help his friends and neighbors. He was a kind, loving, giving, nurturing, and wise man.

He was a community leader and retired teacher who was devoted to motivating, mentoring, supporting and helping others. He made a difference in the lives of many students and families throughout his career.  He was an employee of the Milwaukee Public Schools where he managed Pulaski and Cass Street playgrounds and later worked as a Bilingual School Teacher at numerous schools across the city. Rafael had a passion for baseball and softball. He was a coach, player and President of Milwaukee’s Spanish Softball League, often held at Estabrook and Mitchell Parks. Rafael was also a self-taught Artist, who loved painting and drawing. He found joy painting pictures for family and friends including landscapes and Puerto Rican culture.

Rafael most enjoyed spending time with his family. He leaves behind his loving wife of 59 years, Deyanira Acevedo (née Diaz), children Frankie Acevedo, Annette Santiago (née Acevedo), Rafael Acevedo Jr. and Jose Acevedo. He is further survived by his siblings, spouses of his children, grandchildren, great- grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and many other extended family members.

Visitation Monday, February 6, 2023 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church 1927 Vel R. Phillips Avenue Milwaukee, WI 53212 from 10:00 AM until time of the Funeral Mass at 11:30 AM.  Interment Forest Home Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorials to Milwaukee Public Schools Foundation appreciated.

https://mpsfdn.com/donate/