Raphael was born on December 25, 1949 at Baycroft Road Carrington Village, St. Michael, Barbados. He attended Rudder High School and immigrated to Brooklyn, New York in 1968 to join his family. Raphael working career started at the Anti-Defamation League of B'nai B'rith for 12 months before enlisting in the United States Air Force. Raphael was stationed in Vietnam for 2 years obtaining several ribbons and medals throughout those years. His military career was for a total of 15 years, including 10 months as Fire Protection Supervisor Rank (SRA). After his military career ended Raphael was employed by Royal Saudi Air Force to teach aircraft fire protection and prevention. Raphael met his wife Marcia E. King Lavine in Saudi Arabia at a Valentine's party in 1986 - got married in 1988 in Liverpool England. Raphael leaves to cherish his memory: two children Randy A. Lavine Jr. and Melinda M. Lavine; three brothers Vinnie Dyal & wife Shelette King Dyal, Hallam Dyal and Anderson McKenize; sister Dr. Cherise Dyal Coleburn & brother-in-law Dr. Norman Coleburn; Auntie Beulah B. Lavine. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews: Cameron, Hallam, Chere, Aisha, Christina, Nicholas,Cayla, Stephainie, Frederick, David, two God-kids: Winston & Dean Ifill. Raphael's hobbies included traveling, cricket, golf and meeting people.