Obituary of Raphael Miele, Jr.

Raphael Miele, Jr., age 88, died on Saturday, July 6, 2013 at Runnells Specialized Hospital in Berkeley Heights. Born in Newark, he was raised in Union and had resided in Springfield for over 50 years. Mr. Miele worked for his father's business, Miele Iron Works in Union, as a young boy, which began as a blacksmithing shop. Years later and until his father's retirement in 1967 they would change their focus to steel fabrication and began the manufacturing of basement entry doors. Among many of Mr. Miele's accomplishments in business was developing 12 styles of these doors, which are still used today. He was passionate about photography and the journaling of his family's life through the lens of his camera. Later he would turn his interest to all things audiovisual; he even became the Official Videographer of Union in the 90's. Mr. Miele had a love of music and was a self-taught musician. He also enjoyed the gardening of roses. The most important thing to him was spending time with his family, friends, and beloved pets. He is predeceased by his beloved wife, Antoinette in 2010 and his daughter, Andrea Miele in 1997. Surviving are his family; sons; Ray & Linda Miele, Christopher and Franca Miele and his daughter, June Ann and Dr. Raymond Lanza and seven grandchildren. Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, July 10, 2013 at 10:30 a.m. at Connecticut Farms Church, 888 Stuyvesant Ave, Union. Interment will follow at Graceland Memorial Park in Kenilworth. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 5-9 p.m. at Higgins Home For Funerals, 752 Mountain Blvd., Watchung and Wednesday from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at Connecticut Farms Church.