Rafael Bastianelli

Rafael Bastianelli, Sr., 88, of Huntington, loving husband, father and grandfather, passed away Monday August 31, 2015 at Cabell Huntington Hospital. Funeral services will be conducted at 2 pm Thursday at the Reger Funeral Chapel by Pastor Roger Mooney. Burial will follow in Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens, Huntington. He was born November 13, 1926 in Huntington, a son of the late Adrian and Louise Hawkins Bastianelli. He was a veteran of the US Navy and was a member of the Kellogg Independent Holiness Church of God. Rafael was an Arthur Murray Dance Instructor who then opened his own dance studio, Rafael Bastianelli Dance Studio in Huntington. After living in Florida for 4 years, he moved his family back to Huntington where he became circulation manager for the Herald-Dispatch. After retiring from the Herald-Dispatch he continued in other careers. In addition to his parents he was also preceded in death by one son Rafael Bastianelli, Jr.; two brothers Adrian Bastianelli and Harry Bastianelli and a sister Barbara Ours. Survivors include his wife of 57 years Billie Bastianelli; two sons and daughters in law Jeffrey and Sharon Bastianelli of Travelers Rest, SC and John Robert and Kandi Bastianelli of Huntington; four grandchildren Christian, Garrett and Michael Bastianelli and Justin Pierce and several nieces and nephews. Friends may call from 6 to 8 pm Wednesday at the Reger Funeral Home. The American Legion Post 93 of Kenova will conduct military graveside rites. Condolences may be made to the family at www.regerfh.com.