Rafael E. “GUZ” Guzman, 81, MSGT-USAF-Retired-Korean and Vietnam War Veteran, funeral services are 2:30 PM, Thursday, January 31, 2013 at Florida National Cemetery, 6502 SW 102nd Avenue, Bushnell, Florida 33513 with Marion County Memorial Honor Guard and Father James Donnelly, to officiate.
A native of Humacao, Puerto Rico and a local resident since 1960, when he moved to the local area from Miami, Florida. A Catholic that attended Espiritu Santo Catholic Church in Safety Harbor, FL and previously attended St Lawrence Catholic Church in Tampa, FL.
Rafael was a retired telephone repair man for GTE communications and prior to working for GTE, he served our nation for 22 years in the United States Air Force communications career field. During his military service, he was awarded a Vietnam Service Medal; Air Force Commendation Medal; Air Force Longevity Award with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters; Air Force Good Conduct Medal with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters; Republic of Vietnam Combat Medal; Air Force Commendation Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster and a Graduate of the United States Air Force NCO Academy.
The family requests contributions be made to the family for the new Hospice wing of James A. Haley Veterans Hospital in Tampa.
MSGT Guzman is survived by his wife of 52 years, Laudelina “Lina” Guzman of Oldsmar, Florida; his son, Rafael E. Guzman and his wife, Carmen of Zephyrhills, FL; his daughter, Nancy Gonzalez and her husband, Rafael of Odessa, FL; five grandchildren: Jeannette Lopez, Leyna Gonzalez, Michael Guzman, Amanda Guzman and Jessica Gonzalez and a great grandson, Daniel Guzman.
Veterans Funeral Care
727-524-9202
Grandpaaaaaaa I just want to say I love you so much and miss you sooooo much! I wish I can take you back!! :’(
Guz we will miss you! Your in God’s loving arms know.
Rest in peace Guz, I will always remember you and your family as one of our best friends that endured the test of time. There is an old Navy traditional farewell of a mariner to wish a friend “fair winds and following seas” and this is my wish for you. You will be missed and we are all richer for having known you.
Lina, Jr, Nancy and the rest of the family our deepest condolences for your loss.
James Jr and family
Uncle Junior! You will get to see Dad in Heaven and have fun. I will miss you. I am so sorry I did not get to see you earlier!
Guz you will be sadly missed
All your jokes , laughter
And caring.
God bless you and keep you till we meet again
FAREWELL OUR DEAR FRIEND OF MANY YEARS(41+)MAY YOU REST IN PEACE IN “THE WILD BLUE YONDER” OUR FAMILY HAS BEEN BLESSED TO HAVE KNOWN YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.
LENA,NANCY AND JUNIOR MAY THE GOOD LORD GIVE YOU STRENGTH DURING THIS TIME OF SORROW,WE LOVE YOU.
ROBBY AND FRANCOISE
Daddy was a second father to me since high school. I will never forget his stories and his laughter….even if his jokes were corny (at times). Mommy, Nance, and Junior, please know he will be missed and will be thought of with extreme fondness for the rest of our lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the rest of the family. Love, Pam
To the staunchest and most trustworty friend . we will sorely miss you but never forget you. Love you Guz.
We will miss you Gus
To the Guzman family,I thank you for all that Guz did for our country,he was well loved by everyone, because he radiated love,God called him home,he will suffer no more.
God bless you.
Sky is CAVU Gus, have a great flight to your next stop.
Heartfelt condolances to the entire family. The strongest testiment a parent can make is the children they leave. As one of Ralph’s neighbors, you could not ask for a more conscientious or fiercely loyal neighbor than Ralph. Thank you for your service to our country and to the family you raised.
Heartfelt condolances to the entire family. The strongest testiment a parent can make is the children they leave. As one of Ralph’s neighbors, you could not ask for a more conscientious or fiercely loyal neighbor than Ralph. Thank you for your service to our country and to the family you raised.
Love you with all my heart grandpa and I know you’re smiling down on us. Miss you very much….
RFAEL QUE DIOS NUESTRO SENOR TE ACOJA EN SUS BRAZOS COMO TU TE MERECES Y EN COMPANIA DE PIPO MIMA Y TATICA SIEMPRE TE RECORDAREMOS POR LO BUEN ESPOSO PADRE ABUELO HERMANO QUE FUISTE ABRAZOS Y HASTA PRONTO TUS HERMAOS Y SOBRINAS ENRIQUE MARTHA CARMEN Y MIRELLA.EPD.
A tremendous loss of a lovely man—a very good friend and the best neighbor anyone could ask for.Guz to me was the embodiment of a real gentleman.Please know my heart is with your family at this tough time—and it is my honor to count you all as my friends.Bless you
Two of the greatest gifts that you can give your family are the gifts of love and laughter. We will always remember Rafael with a smile on his face and joy in his eyes. Everytime we saw him, he made us laugh. Laude, Nancy, and Junior our prayers are with you at this most difficult time. He is in a better place. Our deepest sympathies for you and all the family.
With much love, Jeannie Lynn, Bobby and Raiza
I knew “Moose” in the USAF, in Chaumont France, in the 1950’s. I liked him a lot. A good man, a good worker, a comrade with always a smile for everyone.
Guz was at one of our reunions not so long ago. He was a cheerful and dynamic as ever.
Via con Dios
Thanks, and God bless you.
So-long’ Gus. I see you got a new set of orders. All your ole pals at the 48th Comm Sq will miss you. Fairwell & R.I.P.
Guz, I can’t say enough about a great,helpful, friendly, smiling man! Everyone should be so lucky to have a neighbor like Guz. What a better world. I’d try to be helpful and bring up his barrels on trash day and see him bring up mine or our neighbors across the street. what a guy! My family and I will miss this warm and generous man.
God is smiling because he knows he has a great friend by his side.
Lina, Myself, Andrea, Tony, Matt and Rusty are here for you.
Fernande and I are going to miss you Moose. We have many good memories of our stay at Chaumont AFB France
What can we say about Guz? I have never met a person with such an infectious laugh, a personality that could make even the grumpiest person smile and a sweet and humble way. You will be missed, dear Guz.
Lina, Nancy, Junior and families–know that you have a real angel looking over you now. The way he lived his life on earth is now being rewarded in heaven. God bless him and all of you.
Lina, Nancy & JR
I am so deeply saddened for your loss. I love you all and will miss Guz very much! I will always remember his jokes, his love for life and people. Truly a wonderful wonderful man who has touched the lives and hearts of so many. May GOD BLESS YOU and comfort your hearts at this very difficult time.
Nadine – “pepette” xoxoxox
Guz buddy, you have gotten your final PCS orders. I am sure this station will be better than any you had in the past, but you will surely be missed at this station by more of your friends than you will every realize. I want you and Lina were more like family and friends and when we were at your home it was like being at home. You and Lina have a wonderful son and daughter also. When we have visted their homes we have always felt like we were home as we did your’s and Lina’s. And all your grandchildren, they are the greatest. When Martha and I visit Lina in the future I will miss the “RUM AND COKE” we always had. So til we meet again bro. remember we LOVE YOUL.
My sincere condolences to Lina, Nancy, Jr,Jeannette & the rest of your family. Guz was such a great man, always happy and knew how to make everyone around him smile. Loved to tease you. I know you all have heavy hearts now, but the memories you have will help to heal them. Love you all, Sue