So long old pal. We did rack up some memories! Great to see you at Zott's at the 50th. Enjoy the road ahead. Send back your scouting reports. ox AB Cohen
So glad Gene was able to make it to a couple of our reunions in the past few years. My first memory of him is bopping around with Gary Storken at Covington at recess. So sorry to lose another classmate. We will miss you, Gene. May the Lord comfort your loved ones and all of us. Ginni Chambers
6/8/15 After about 40 years Gene and I reconected. I was struck by the fact nothing had changed. Gene was still the witty, funny, exuberant, intriguing character I remembered from years before. We had many fun and sometimes serious phone conversations the last few years. He even called from the Pipe Line a few times. Gene left a big impression on me at an early age as I know he did the same to others. He had been ill for some time. A month ago my wife and I went to see him at a very nice care facility in Santa Cruz. He had a nice bright and cheery two room suite in the top of the trees on the 3rd floor. Upon entering the check-in area I asked this big mafia looking dude where you sign in if he new which room Gene Rafaelo was in. He said he didn't know who that was. I told him I had just talked to Gene and I think he is on the third floor. Then he said with a big smile oh you must mean GENOOHHH. I had to smile and said Yeh GENOOHH. That was for you guys who knew Gene. Knowing there may be some shall I say interesting discussions I may not want Mary to hear I had to leave my wonderful wife in the loby with a book. If I'd taken her up with me she would have missed the cute 90 some year old lady showing my wife how she could still dance. I went up to Gene's floor. Before knocking on his door I was struck by the fancy wooden name plack on the wall by his door which read GENO RAFAELO. It made me smile again before I knocked. Gene had a religious family man from Aptos helping out with his things. I liked him and thought that was great. Janitor guy came in and said how yah doin GENO. A male nurse at one point came in, heh GENO. I was beginning to think he was setting that place up for a big take over. If not a big take over, maybe some major adjustments. You know like just another one of his many mysterious business ideas. If Gene liked the deal it was intense and game on. We spent a few hours laughing and talking about the good ol days. He did make it down to hug us good-by before we left. I'll call you I said. He said good. Other than his condition it was all good. We spoke a few more times by phone. The last I spoke with him was a few days before they found out he had cancer and how seriously ill he was. He was weak. I asked why he hadn't taken over the place yet. I think he was trying to say he was going to as soon as he gets his strength back and laughed. He did say " good to hear from you man". Take care Gar. I'll call yah Gene. His sister Beverly said there was nothing they could do and he was gone in a few days. There may be a memorial service at a later date, but Beverly was not sure. Gene had an intriguing vision and he lived it to the fullest. I think that plack by his door; GENO RAFAELO in a way says alot about him. Hard to understand at times, but he was the real deal as they say. His intrigueing persona, his attitude, spunk, and interests in life, might I add his business interests going back to making guns, knives, 90 proof alcohol in the still, brass knuckles, picking locks, taping phones, building things in his dad's shop, poker, firecrackers from China Town, the streets of San Francisco, Mountain View for a six pack of stubies, sneaking around on the golf course, Mexico, riden around at night, auto mechanics and his dealings in" international trade" influenced and inspired many people. He had always had a lot going and alot to accomplish. He inspired me in many ways and looked out for me a few times when I was that little red head running around Los Altos. Though difficult for him, just a month ago how interesting it was to visit for a while. I was lucky to have known him. Go with God Eugene Patrick Rafaelo. One more time from me to you GENO one last heh-heh-heh bop a re bop.
One more thing. To alll Gene's friends and aquaintences from Los Altos he constantly spoke very hightly of you. Lots of jokes, experinces, fun, and even of those who passed. He really charished your times and memories together. He really liked the reunions which he tried to get me to attend.
How amazing & wonderful that LAHS friends keep us all connected with an array of memories that are more dear to us each time we say a permanent goodbye to another. Whether we knew Gene well or just passed in the halls, we feel a sincere kinship to a fellow classmate who has now graduated up to another level . With condolences to Gene's family & friends, Sincerely, Sue
Alexander Bruce Cohen
So long old pal. We did rack up some memories! Great to see you at Zott's at the 50th. Enjoy the road ahead. Send back your scouting reports. ox AB Cohen
James Tobie
Blessings on your journey Gene you will be missed.
Virginia Small (Chambers)
So glad Gene was able to make it to a couple of our reunions in the past few years. My first memory of him is bopping around with Gary Storken at Covington at recess. So sorry to lose another classmate. We will miss you, Gene. May the Lord comfort your loved ones and all of us. Ginni Chambers
Kathleen Barta (Edlund)
Gene and I were classmates in first grade at Hillview school. Lots of memories of Gene.
Dennis Edlund
Gary Storkan
6/8/15 After about 40 years Gene and I reconected. I was struck by the fact nothing had changed. Gene was still the witty, funny, exuberant, intriguing character I remembered from years before. We had many fun and sometimes serious phone conversations the last few years. He even called from the Pipe Line a few times. Gene left a big impression on me at an early age as I know he did the same to others. He had been ill for some time. A month ago my wife and I went to see him at a very nice care facility in Santa Cruz. He had a nice bright and cheery two room suite in the top of the trees on the 3rd floor. Upon entering the check-in area I asked this big mafia looking dude where you sign in if he new which room Gene Rafaelo was in. He said he didn't know who that was. I told him I had just talked to Gene and I think he is on the third floor. Then he said with a big smile oh you must mean GENOOHHH. I had to smile and said Yeh GENOOHH. That was for you guys who knew Gene. Knowing there may be some shall I say interesting discussions I may not want Mary to hear I had to leave my wonderful wife in the loby with a book. If I'd taken her up with me she would have missed the cute 90 some year old lady showing my wife how she could still dance. I went up to Gene's floor. Before knocking on his door I was struck by the fancy wooden name plack on the wall by his door which read GENO RAFAELO. It made me smile again before I knocked. Gene had a religious family man from Aptos helping out with his things. I liked him and thought that was great. Janitor guy came in and said how yah doin GENO. A male nurse at one point came in, heh GENO. I was beginning to think he was setting that place up for a big take over. If not a big take over, maybe some major adjustments. You know like just another one of his many mysterious business ideas. If Gene liked the deal it was intense and game on. We spent a few hours laughing and talking about the good ol days. He did make it down to hug us good-by before we left. I'll call you I said. He said good. Other than his condition it was all good. We spoke a few more times by phone. The last I spoke with him was a few days before they found out he had cancer and how seriously ill he was. He was weak. I asked why he hadn't taken over the place yet. I think he was trying to say he was going to as soon as he gets his strength back and laughed. He did say " good to hear from you man". Take care Gar. I'll call yah Gene. His sister Beverly said there was nothing they could do and he was gone in a few days. There may be a memorial service at a later date, but Beverly was not sure. Gene had an intriguing vision and he lived it to the fullest. I think that plack by his door; GENO RAFAELO in a way says alot about him. Hard to understand at times, but he was the real deal as they say. His intrigueing persona, his attitude, spunk, and interests in life, might I add his business interests going back to making guns, knives, 90 proof alcohol in the still, brass knuckles, picking locks, taping phones, building things in his dad's shop, poker, firecrackers from China Town, the streets of San Francisco, Mountain View for a six pack of stubies, sneaking around on the golf course, Mexico, riden around at night, auto mechanics and his dealings in" international trade" influenced and inspired many people. He had always had a lot going and alot to accomplish. He inspired me in many ways and looked out for me a few times when I was that little red head running around Los Altos. Though difficult for him, just a month ago how interesting it was to visit for a while. I was lucky to have known him. Go with God Eugene Patrick Rafaelo. One more time from me to you GENO one last heh-heh-heh bop a re bop.
One more thing. To alll Gene's friends and aquaintences from Los Altos he constantly spoke very hightly of you. Lots of jokes, experinces, fun, and even of those who passed. He really charished your times and memories together. He really liked the reunions which he tried to get me to attend.
I'll miss you.
Gary Storkan
Susan Mack (Sugden)
How amazing & wonderful that LAHS friends keep us all connected with an array of memories that are more dear to us each time we say a permanent goodbye to another. Whether we knew Gene well or just passed in the halls, we feel a sincere kinship to a fellow classmate who has now graduated up to another level . With condolences to Gene's family & friends, Sincerely, Sue
Francie Mecia (Krauel)
Well said, Sue. I remember most Gene's hair and smile. We'll all be walking those halls one day. With love.