Rafael Saucedo Rosales

Rafael “Falalo” Saucedo Rosales, beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away at his home in Healdsburg, California, on June 9, 2026, at the age of 95. Born on October 23, 1930, in Zacatecas, Mexico, he was one of nine children born to Jose Guadalupe and Elvira Rosales. Rafael spent his childhood ranching in Jerez, where he and his family tended livestock and worked the land. He attended elementary, middle, and high school in Mexico, where his mother, Elvira, and his grandmother, “Mama Mico,” both teachers, were instrumental in his education. After years spent on the family ranch, he briefly worked as a mechanic at his uncle Salvador's shop. He also served a one-year military commitment in Zacatecas. At the age of 20, he participated in the Bracero Program—a temporary labor initiative between the United States and Mexico that allowed Mexican workers to be employed in the U.S. agricultural and railroad industries. His time in the program brought him to the United States, where he worked in Louisiana, Arizona, and California’s Central Valley before eventually arriving in Geyserville where he worked on a prune ranch, then hired by Frei Brothers, a historic family-owned winery, now known as Gallo. Rafael returned to Zacatecas to marry Juanita, the love of his life. Together, they made their way back to California, where they built a life and raised their family in Healdsburg. Together, Rafael and Juanita raised three children: their son, Lupe, and their two daughters, Lety and Raquel. They instilled in their children the importance of family, faith in God, and staying connected to their roots. Each year, they made the journey back to Jerez, where their children spent time with family and celebrated holidays surrounded by grandparents, great-grandparents, aunts, uncles, and countless cousins. They traveled from ranch to ranch, showing the children how to brand cattle and reminding them that the best life is often a simple one. Rafael eventually joined the labor union and worked in construction for 35 years, retiring at the age of 62. He was a devoted parishioner at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Healdsburg, where he and his wife served as Eucharistic Ministers, led Marriage Encounter, provided baptismal instruction, and participated in various religious education programs within the community. Serving the church alongside his wife was both his passion and his calling. He also enjoyed being an active member of Latino Unidos del Condado de Sonoma from its inception, where he made many lifelong friends.Rafael enjoyed time spent with the family boating, barbecuing and sun-filled days at “El Rio,” the Russian River. There was nothing he couldn’t fix, build or trouble shoot—he was the ultimate repair man. That same level of precision carried over to his love of baseball, which spanned a lifetime. He played competitively in Mexico and later continued his passion for the game in Healdsburg on a men’s traveling team. Rafael also had a special place in his heart for animals, especially his cherished Shorty—his canine companion of 15 years. Though small in size, Shorty had a mighty spirit, and the two shared a special bond that brought Rafael great joy. Of all his accomplishments, Rafael was most proud of being grandpa and great grandpa. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the light of his life, and he found his greatest joy in being an active part of theirs. Rafael is survived by his children Lety Rosales Meza (Jorge), Lupe Rosales (Kim) and Raquel Rosales Montanez (Paco). He was a proud grandfather to Monica, Dominic, Marco, Cristian, Jacquelyn, Bianca, Anthony, Mallorie and Mitchell and great grandchildren Christopher, Layla, Niko, Adan, Axel, Severin, Theodore and Aurora. He is also survived by his brother Javier (Emma) Rosales and sister Lilia Rosales. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Juanita Rosales; his parents Guadalupe and Elvira Rosales; his brothers, Celso, Andres and Gilberto; his sisters, Eva, Hilda and Elvira. Services will be held at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church — 208 Matheson St. Healdsburg, CA 95448. A rosary and viewing on Wednesday 6/17 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. (Rosary will be prayed at 6:00 p.m.) And a funeral mass on Thursday 6/18 at 11:00 a.m. Following mass, guests will proceed to Healdsburg Cemetery for the burial. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to St. John the Baptist church in Healdsburg.

Rafael Saucedo Rosales

October 23, 1930 - June 9, 2026