Norfolk —Our beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend, Bernard Rafal, 97, passed away on Monday, March 24, 2014 at home in Long Grove, Ill. surrounded by his loving family.
Born in Norfolk, Va., he was the son of the late Bertha Fine Rafal and Solomon Rafal, and was the widower of Cynthia Orleans Rafal.
Mr. Rafal was a meatpacker for many years. He was a U. S. Navy veteran, a founding member of Temple Israel in Norfolk, and was a member of the Free and Accepted Masons.
He is survived by his children, Renee Segal and husband Stewart, and Dale Atherton and husband Brian; a brother, Eli Rafal; grandchildren, Shannon Ben- Yoseph and husband Roy, Jason Rafal and wife Ashley, Erin Whaley and husband Tim, Jeremy Segal and wife Allyson, Lisa Segal and fiancé Steve Paul, and Ashley Atherton. He is also lovingly survived by his great grandchildren, Addie and Ellie Ben-Yoseph, Casey and Caleb Rafal, and Jackson and Hannah Whaley. He was preceded in death by his beloved son, Nelson Rafal, and two of his brothers, Nathan and David Rafal.
A graveside funeral service was conducted in Forest Lawn Cemetery with Rabbi Michael Panitz officiating. H. D. Oliver Funeral Apts. Online condolences may be offered through hdoliver.com. Memorial donations to Temple Israel.