Rafael Luis Mendoza

Rafael Luis Mendoza, 42 years old, of Newington and formerly of New Britain, passed away on Oct. 12, 2004 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born on July 30, 1962 in New Britain. He leaves behind a loving wife, Damaris Mendoza and two daughters, Ebony and Natalie Mendoza. He was predeceased by his father, Cristobal Mendoza. He is also survived by his mother, Mary Mendoza; mother and father-in-law Mr. & Mrs. Salvador Escobales; a sister, Mary Lou Kopinja and husband Michael; brother William Mendoza; brothers-in-law, Angel and Sal Escobales Jr. and Ivan Acevedo; sisters-in-law, Yolanda Cannata and Lisandra Cook; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles and close friends. Ralph was a member of St. Lawrence O'Toole Church in Hartford and was a member of the Hartford Harley Davidson Motorcycle Chapter. He was employed at the Bradley Airport Fire Department as an EMT and Fireman before retiring. Funeral services will be held on Thursday at 8:30 AM at Erickson-Hansen Funeral Home, 411 S. Main St., New Britain followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 AM at St. Mary Church, New Britain. Burial will be in St. Mary Cemetery. Calling hours are Wednesday today from 6-9 PM at the funeral home.