Raffaele was a very humble man and loyal friend and brother.  With his brothers, Sam, Guiseppe, and Rocco, Raffaele enjoyed playing the Italian card game, Briscola.  Some games turned into all out war and ended abruptly.  But as with all families, all is forgiven and the beer and the cards came out again ready for yet another card game.  Often times we could find Sam, who always wore humongous safety glasses, and Raffaele hunched over their latest renovation project and arguing over how to proceed.  Even though his brothers, Francesco and Nicola moved away, Raffaele always kept in contact with them and held them dear to his heart.

Raffaele had a special bond with his late sister Teresa who would visit him often on her daily walks and would arrive for coffee.  The companionship they shared just talking or watching tv together meant a lot to both of them.  They would always end their visits with Teresa saying 'Goodbye my brother' and Raffaele saying 'Goodbye my sister'.  The family bond was strong throughout their lives.

Raffaele's friends played an important part of his life,especially Dr. Giardine.  They shared a common passion for gardening.  During the doctor's final years, they were inseperable.  Their passion for gardening showed through many times,especially in Raffaele trying to convince his daughter Lisa that she needed apple trees in her yard  Although Lisa did not want them and told him many time, Raffaele's determination to convince her did not waiver.  So he took matters into his own hands.  One day Lisa arrived home for lunch only to find Dr. Giardine and her dad planting two apple trees in her backyard.  Raffaele's stubborness to prove he knew better trumped Lisa's constant objections because he planted two more apple trees in the front yard.  So after all that, what happened to those trees?  Three survived, one did not, so Raffaele planted a plum tree instead.

Raffaele always welcomed people to his home and was generou with whatever he had.  One invitation stands out; he invited his nieces and nephews to join his family for coffee and drinks after Christmas day mass.  This simple invitation to his home turned into a 20 year Christmas day tradition, regardless of the change in venue from his home, to the hospital and lastly, the Golden Manor.

Raffale was also interested in learning how to do things, how things worked, and his lack of expertise never stopped him from trying a do-it-yourself project.  He aspired to be a carpenter, which he was not; an electrician, which he was not, and a plumber, which he was not.  Inevitably,his son-in-law Perry would receive a phonecall about the latest DIY project and Raffaele would always start the call with, 'Perry, if you're not too busy, I have some trouble', and Perry would go over to assess the damage.  Over the years, his famiy was convinced that Raffaele was the Italian 'Tim the Tool Man Crispo'.

Raffaele was a gentle man who will always hold a special place in our hearts.  He taught us that nice people do finish first, and love trumphs all.  Raffaele, you will be forever remembered,forever loved, and forever in our hearts

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