Raphael Rios:
CLASS OF 1980
St. Cecilia High SchoolClass of 1980
Englewood, NJ
Manhattan CollegeClass of 1984
Riverdale, NY
St. Cecilia Elementary SchoolClass of 1976
Englewood, NJ
Raphael's Story
The short version: After high school I attended Manhattan College, graduated in 1984, majored in civil engineering. Lived in Florida, Texas, Ohio and then Colombia South America where I got married in 1991. Returned in 1992 to NJ where my wife Diana and I have raised our 3 children (all are out of the nest!!!). Moved back to Colombia in 2020. Was recently in the States (2022) for my oldest son´s wedding. Now awaiting for grand kids.
The winded version: After high school I attended Manhattan College, why Manhattan College? I can't figure out how I made that decision, it was a Catholic college run by Brothers, good thing it was Co-Ed. But I was not alone there, Dan O'Conner attended the same school with me for at least one year. We commuted together, thanks for the rides Dan! College was very difficult for me I was not prepared to do all the studying that was required. I spent my summers working various jobs and playing tennis with Rob Heller, well actually we did more beer drinking than playing tennis. After switching majors from electrical engineering to mechanical engineering I finally settled with Civil Engineering graduating in 1984. After graduating I moved to Florida for some much needed R&R for one year. Moved back to NJ and worked designing high-rise buildings in NYC for 2 years (ran into Kevin Finnigan once in the subway). In 1988 I moved to Texas for one year in pursuit of spiritual learning and growth (apparently the 14 or so years of Catholic Education didn't do it for me), OK let me clarify, contrary to the rumors, I did not join a commune. The end result is that today I have a healthy respect for God and scripture. I returned back to NJ but soon moved to the state of Ohio, City of Canton (Football Hall of Fame) for 2 years. Being single on my own no major responsibilities (other than student loan debt which took about 10 years to pay back) I decided to take a vacation to visit my native country of Colombia. It was there that I met my future wife Diana (pronounced Deana). We got married in 1991 basically after one month of dating, HEY, we are still married (she mus...Expand for more
t be an extraordinary woman to have put up with me these many years). After living in Colombia for almost a year we returned to the States and settled in NJ for 27+ years where we raised our 3 kids, Ruth, Sam and Josh. I continue to work as a civil (Geotechnical) engineer, mainly designing bridge foundations and other roadway structure foundations. If you have heard of any bridges in NJ collapsing or something it could be my bad (Ooops!) but if you haven't then I must be doing a good job. My only claim to fame however, are my kids, who are Sweeter Than Honey and for 13 years rocked the state of NJ, playing mostly classic rock covers. Today I have a high appreciation for classic rock, although I was a closet Disco dancer back in high school, something most of you are not aware of (perhaps some things are better off staying in the closet). I was able to escape the COVID-19 BS in the US only to find it where I am currently living (semi-retired) in Colombia SA. After living in Colombia a few years there are pluses and minuses. No, the grass is not greener but does get you higher. Update: Now in my early 60's I've just learned to ride a motorcycle, got my license and bought a bike. It's time to take advantage, I no longer need my mother's permission and I still don't need my childern's permission.
Well that is a little snap shot of my life since high school. I will spare you the agony by not posting any actual pictures of myself but FYI since 1980 l did gain 70 ugly pounds, lost half the hair on my head, the remaining of which has become undistinguishing grey, my eyesight is now support by glasses, my mind is just as dim, and many other body parts are wearing down as I write. Good news though, in the past couple of years I have lost several pounds, the bad news is I didn't lose the ugly. Hopefully all of you are doing a lot or at least a little better than me. Desiring that all of you get the most of this life and that you continue to enjoy it. Much love to you all. Forever your classmate: Raphael aka Rafael, Raf, Riff-Raff, Rafi, Ralph, Ralphie Boy, Julio. Accessible +573214919986
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