Deborah Cerilli Obituary, Death- Raquel Cerilli, who had lived in Raccoon Township for more than 30 years before her untimely death in Lancaster, Pennsylvania on January 20, 2023.
barely ten months after the untimely death of her cherished husband Richard Cerilli, passed away unexpectedly in Lancaster. On February 19, 2023, Richard and Raquel would have celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary. If they were still together, they would have done so.
Born in Brooklyn, NY, in 1950 to Rafael Figueroa and Elena Rivera, Raquel hails from a large extended family that includes her siblings Raphael (Monica) Figueroa, Nilda Figueroa, Roseanne (Reggie) Huffman, Sonia (Scott) Dudas, Albert (Wendy) Figuero and the late Rubin, Bobby, Priscilla, and Rick (Bart), and many beloved nieces and nephews.
After Raquel wed Richard in 1983, her loving family grew to include Richard’s parents, Jane and (the late) Anthony Cerilli, as well as Richard’s siblings, Camille (Joseph) Stevenson, Michael (Carol) Cerilli, David (Wendy) Cerilli, and John (Debbie) Cerilli. Anthony Cerilli was Raquel’s stepfather.
In addition, Raquel and Richard were surrounded by a large group of close friends, some of whom are named here: Donna Goyak, Mike Verbic, Jorge Tapia, Eric Parrish, and Bob Fragasso. The full list of their friends would be impossible to compile.
Raquel and Richard made the farm that is part of the Cerilli family in Beaver County, Pennsylvania, their permanent residence after having previously called Los Angeles, Puerto Rico, and Connecticut home. There, they frequently hosted huge gatherings of their family and friends.
during which Raquel’s illustrious cooking, prepared with ingredients harvested from Richard’s expansive garden, was a highlight. Both of the owners have a strong affinity for animals, and over the course of its history, the farm has provided a home for a large number of canines, felines, llamas, poultry, and fowl, including peacocks.
Raquel will be remembered for her zest for life, adventurous spirit, quirky sense of humor, and most importantly, her enduring love for her family and friends as well as her everlasting dedication to her husband, Richard. She was always stunning with attire that was perfect for any event, and she had a sense of humor that was unique.
The burial will be a private affair. At a later time, there will be a celebration in Pittsburgh honoring Raquel’s life as well as her nearly 40-year marriage to Richard. The event will take place in Pittsburgh. Animal Friends can be reached at 562 Camp Horne Road, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15237 (thinkoutsidethecage.org), and will gratefully accept memorial contributions.
