Rafael "Papi" Alonso Sr., age 97, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Monday, July 21st, 2025.

He was born on July 14th, 1928 in St. Nicholas de Bari, Cuba to Rafael Alonso and Edelmira Díaz. He married Aida in 1955 and shared 65 beautiful years together. They moved to America and settled in Chicago where they raised their 3 beloved children.
Rafael worked as a baker in Cuba and after moving to America, retired from La Preferida after many years. He took great pride in his family and was excited to become a grandfather to his 4 grandchildren and great-grandfather to his 8 great-grandchildren. Rafael was loved by many and will be missed dearly along with his jokes, his cooking, and his generosity.

Rafael was preceded in death by his parents Rafael Alonso and Edelmira Díaz, his loving wife Aida Alonso, his sisters Pracedes Alonso and Mirta Alonso, and his brother Carlos Alonso.
He is survived by his sister Rita Díaz, 3 children Maria (Rene) Dominguez, Carlos (Mary) Alonso, and Rafael Jr. (Lizette) Alonso; his nieces Carmen Leal Díaz, Caridad Leal Díaz, Tania Fuentes Alonso, Rafaela Fuentes Alonso, Lourdes Lima Alonso, and Alina Lima Alonso; 4 grandchildren Maria Elena (Michael) Turone, Marilyn Torres, Jacqueline (Chris) Guzman, and Ashley Alonso; and 8 great-grandchildren Michael, Alex, Nico, Julian, Leo, Dominic, Kaylani, and Bella.

A memorial mass will be held on Thursday, August 14th, 2025 at 11:00AM at St. Dominic's Catholic Church, 440 E Briarcliff Rd, Bolingbrook, IL 60440.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to McCauley-Sullivan Funeral Home & Crematorium.