Rafael S. Valencia

Rafael Sousa Valencia, a loving father, brother, and uncle died on September 25, 2024, at the age of 53. 

Born January 7, 1971, Rafael grew up in Fall River in a tight-knit family and community. He was the son of the late Oligia S. (Pacheco) Valencia and Ernesto T. Valencia. 

Rafael spent his childhood years running around the Cambridge Street neighborhood with his friends, playing soccer and other sports. He graduated from B.M.C Durfee High School in 1989 and immediately entered the workforce. Rafael was a proud member of his community and wanted to give back, first as a counselor at Whitney Academy and later as a teacher for John Boyd daycare. From there, he became a carpenter and spent his career mastering his craft and working with his hands. 

He was a firm believer in the power of fresh air and that a good hike could fix anything. Rafael spent countless days mountain climbing, skiing, and biking with friends. When his daughter was young, he used to do push ups with her on his back just to prove he could, and was proud to be her youth soccer coach for many years. He was a man who was quick to laugh and enjoyed teasing his sister or sitting down with his mother for a home cooked meal. 

His mother Oligia was his guiding force and inspiration, and he took her passing in July 2023 hard. He often made it a habit to tell the people around him he loved them and never failed to remind his daughter how proud he was of her. 

Rafael is survived by his loving daughter Macey A. Lavoie; his sister Melissa J. Valencia and her partner Edward Philips; his brother Milton J. Valencia and wife Crystal Valencia; and his niece Emerson A. Valencia and nephew Julian J. Valencia. He is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who considered him family. 

A visitation in honor of Rafael S. Valencia will take place on Sunday, October 6, 2024, from 11:00 AM until 2:00 PM at Auclair Funeral Home, located at 690 South Main Street, Fall River, MA 02721.

In honor of Rafael’s memory, please take a walk in nature, play music while you cook for your loved ones, and do something you love. He carried his hobbies and his joys with him his entire life and shared them with the ones he cared for. He will be missed dearly.

In lieu of flowers, please kindly consider a donation to the SSTAR program in Fall River.