Volume No. 2 Issue No. 13 - Thursday September 20, 2007
Lt. Col Desmond Raphael dead at the age of 43
Lt. Col Desmond Raphael - US Army
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In July 2004, we reported sadly on the death of Dr. Leroy Raphael. Now, we have learned of the passing of his brother Lt. Col. Desmond Raphael, 43, of Fort Hood, Texas, who died on Aug. 29, 2007. He was buried in Memphis, Tennessee. Like Dr. Raphael, he is the brother of Dominican businessman and proprietor of Jungle Bay Spa and Resorts Sam Raphael.
A preliminary investigation indicated that Raphael may have suffered a heart attack while playing tennis in Columbia, S.C. He was transported to Providence Hospital in Coward where he was pronounced dead.
Raphael was born on Dominica on April 5, 1964, but migrated with his family to St. Croix where he spent his early years and graduated from St. Dunstan's Episcopal School in 1982.
Raphael earned a bachelor of science and an MBA from the University of Tennessee at Martin. At the time of his passing, Raphael served as Rear Detachment Commander for the 15th Finance Battalion at Fort Hood, Texas, since August 2004. He entered the military in August 1988, serving the U.S. Army for almost 22 years.
His favorite pastimes included spending time with his family and friends, all manner of outdoor activities including sports, grilling, camping, and rooting for his Pittsburgh Steelers.
Raphael's military awards and decorations included the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korea Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Parachutist Badge and the Silver Recruiters Badge.
Raphael is survived by his wife, Marquette Raphael; children, Danielle LeKesha, Gabrielle LeShea and Desmond Isaiah Thomas Raphael; parents, Thomas and Martha Raphael; parents-in-law; BeLinda Winston and Frank Winston Sr.; siblings, John, Samuel, Derek, Erwin, Isaac and Micah Raphael and Primrose Raphael;
Siblings-in-law; Frank, Frederic and Monique; aunts, Ann Mitchell, Catherine Ormond, Noreen Michael, Ruth James, and Jennifer, Pearl, and Cynthia Thomas;
Uncles, Gabriel, Alexander, Luke, Anthony, David, Gerard and Isaac Michael; Eustace, Vivian, Mark and Grensell Thomas, and Julius Corbett;
Nieces, Monet, Monique, Mekiya, Jai, Danielle Marie, Imani, Alek-wek, Malaika, Jasmine, Jemiya Raphael, Alexanderia, Ashley, Kirsten, and Sydney;
Nephews, Leroy Everard, Marcus, Malcolm, Stephan, Malik, Ade, Malaika, Mwai, Ishaq, Ismaiil Raphael, Roderick, Keenon, Camren and many other relatives and friends.
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