Rafael Uhler Andes

Rafael Uhler Andes (Ralph) celebrated the Christmas holiday with the family dressed in matching Mickey Mouse pajamas and opening presents with the grandchildren. He ate a large bar of chocolate, took a nap, and passed away peacefully at the age of none of your damn business. He is predeceased by his parents; his sister, Anne Miranda; and several cats and dogs and fish. Ralph is survived by his better half of 41 years, Martha Andes; his allegedly much older sisters, Eleanor Orpilla and Susan Domagas; his two brothers, John Andes Jr. and Dr. Fred Andes; his four children and their spouses, Edwin Roland Andes (and Sheila Andes), Patricia Mercedes Andes (and Darren Phillips), Desiree Michelle Andes (and Peter Rioux), Dr. Alexandra Marie Andes-Vela (and Dr. Nathan Vela); seven grandchildren (Kate, Aviel, Aris, Sean, Melody, Daniel, Austin); an extremely large but close extended family; as well as two cats, Kiki and Prince. Ralph was born on September 25th in the year of none of your damn business in Cubao, Quezon City, Manila, Philippines to John Andes and Mercedes Uhler Andes. In high school, he was on the boxing team and the basketball team. An avid Boy Scout, he attended the National Jamboree and received the status of Life Scout. After his experience with the Boy Scouts, he joined the US Coast Guard, where he traveled around the world for 6 years as a Petty Officer 1st class. Surprisingly, he was honorably discharged with a bronze star medal. Later, he earned his degree in electrical engineering from FEATI University in Manila. After moving to the United States, he worked as an electrical engineer and in management for 15 years at Yorx Electronics Inc. in New Jersey. After a health scare and triple bypass surgery, Ralph changed his lifestyle, studied nursing at SUNY's Rockland Community College and began his nursing career in sunny Florida. He retired after 20 something years at Health South Sea Pines as a Rehabilitation Nurse, where his colleagues called him the "Bowel King." Don't ask. He continued to help people by volunteering for Meals on Wheels and joined the American Legion. Driven to learning and also boredom, he received his Real Estate License and was contemplating a law degree at the time of his passing. Ralph and his loving wife Martha, whom he calls "Corazon" and who outranks him as a US Army Major, were inseparable. For over 35 years, they attended Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church in Indialantic. Together they've traveled extensively within the United States, as well as Central and South America for vacation as well as to visit family. Most recently, Ralph attended a high school group reunion in the Philippines. When he was not traveling, Ralph loved to go fishing. He once caught the World's Biggest Fish! Of course, it got away. Twice. Ralph enjoyed old shows like the Honeymooners and crooned "My Way" like Frank Sinatra. It wouldn’t be unusual for him to watch "The Godfather" more than once in the same day. He was a walking calculator and a competitive scrabble and chess player. A chef at heart, he could be found cooking or discussing recipes from his very own cookbook. As the 1st-place winner at the Melbourne Chili Cook Off, his top-secret ingredient is . . . well, none of your damn business! Ralph Andes will be sorely missed—especially his chili. A memorial mass will be held at Saint Matthew's Catholic Church, 6090 Hypoluxo Road, Lake Worth, FL 33463, on Friday, January 10th at 1 PM, followed by an inurnment at South Florida National VA Cemetery, at 2:30 PM. After the inurnment, the Andes family welcomes everyone to Mamma Mia's Trattoria, 8855 Hypoluxo Road, Lake Worth, FL 33467, at 3:00pm. Please contact Alexandra Andes (aandesdpm@gmail.com) to RSVP as soon as possible.