Obituary of Rafael Cercone

Rafael Cercone, 89 of Maplewood, formally of Jersey City, passed away on October 29, 2023 at Complete Care at Bayshore, Holmdel, NJ.

Rafael was born in San Jose, Costa Rica into a very large family that owned the Lucema Pasta Factory. He had five children with his first wife, Yolanda. He immigrated to the United States in 1968, where he met his second wife, Maria, with whom he had two children. He lived in various locations in North Jersey, including Elizabeth, Irvington, West New York, and Jersey City before moving to Maplewood four years ago.

In the daytime, he was a self-employed Insurance Broker. At night, he was an artist, a poet, and a charmer. Always a jokester and never one to take anything seriously, except his own opinions, Rafael was always the center of the party. He fiercely loved his wife Maria because she was the only one who ever said no to his advances.

Rafael was predeceased by his wife, Maria Elena Rodriguez and his daughter, Jetzabel Cercone. He is survived by his children Giovanni Cercone, Aitza Garcia, Alexander Cercone, Orieta Cercone, Rafael Cercone Jr, & Sidalix Cercone. He is survived by his grandchildren Aiden & Juliet Cercone of Maplewood and Alana Garcia of Matawan. He is also survived by numerous grandchildren in Costa Rica; Rosa Alejandra, Joseph Andres, Christopher Alexander, Angelo, Guillermo Andres, Shary, Giancarlo, Francesca, Francoice, Stephanie, Natalia, Fiorella, Francella, as well as great-grandchildren Paula, Adrian, Ethan, Mathias, Zoe, Malcom, Lucio, Franco, Noah, Emmanuel, Maria Jimena, Jose Mathias, and many other loving friends, including Amanda Durett Cercone, Rosa Acuña, Carlos, Gaudy, Sussan, Ileana.

Funeral Service is private. It was Rafael’s final wish to be scattered at sea, “for all the women of the world,” to which Maria would replay, “Why don’t I just flush you down the toilet? It’s quicker!” In lieu of flowers, please pour (and raise) a glass of whiskey (preferably Johnny Walker) in his honor.

For more information or to send condolences please visit jacobhollefuneralhome.com