Rafael Alfonso Grenier, 91, passed away peacefully at home in Marion. He is now with his beloved wife, Ester. Rafael was born in Havana, Cuba, to Rafael and Mercedes Grenier. He went to Belen, a Jesuit preparatory school and graduated from the University of Havana with degrees in Mathematics and Sciences. He also graduated from the Military Academy in Havana.
Rafael was a veteran of two countries whom he served proudly. He served as a professional officer and a Captain in the Cuban army prior to Fidel Castro. After Fidel Castro, he went into exile to eventually return to Cuba in an invasion sponsored by the CIA to overthrow Fidel Castro (Bay of Pigs). He was imprisoned after the failed invasion but, thanks to President John F. Kennedy, he was released and returned to the USA. He then joined and proudly served in the U.S. Army under a Special Commission by the President. He served in the Army as a Captain until he retired in 1973. While in the U.S. Army, he served at many Army posts including Panama, Korea, Fort Benning, Fort Dix, Fort Sill, and Lackland Air Force Base. In addition, he served combat duty in Vietnam from 1967-1968 with the 1st Battallion 20th Infantry, Americal Division. He retired from the Army in 1973.
Rafael worked for the Southland Corporation in Miami, Florida, until his retirement from the workforce. He came to Indiana in 1997 after his wife passed away to live closer to his only son, Rafael A. Grenier, II, and his wife, Linda. He leaves behind two grandsons, William (Lindsay) and Brian (Amber), and six great-grandchildren, Drew, Madeline, Sydney, Elliott, Jonah, and Evan.
Services will be private for family only.
Arrangements are entrusted to Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to your favorite charity.
Online condolences may be made at www.nswcares.com.