Rafael M. Pantoja, age 96 of Wilmington, passed away on Friday, July 28, 2017.

Rafael loved helping others and never met a stranger that didn’t become a friend.

Rafael was preceded in death by his daughter, Betty Ann Franks

Survivors include his daughters Julia Pantoja and her husband Michael Wise and Rosemary Mullings; his son, Jerome Franks; grandchildren, Walida Cook, Murad Diggs, Naisha Pantoja, Archie Pantoja, Vincent Carstarphen, Evan Pantoja, Michael Franks, Stanley Franks, William Franks, Wanda Torres, Yolanda Torres, Michael Taylor and Janaya Taylor; granddaughter in laws, Tushawn Hollingsworth, Latoya Reyes, Sheonna Brooks, Janae Collins, and Shmeeka Pantoja; great grandchildren; Murad, Jr, Malaquis, Mariah, Orrin, Tarik, Khaleeq,Qassim, Amirah, Evan, Saniyyah, Reign and Azari and a host of nieces, nephews and relatives.

Funeral Services will be held at Noon on Friday, August 4, at 108 N. Franklin Street, Wilmington, Delaware where visitation will begin at 11 AM. Burial will follow at All Saint’s Cemetery.