Eligio "Eli" Ricafort, Jr., 67, of Jacksonville FL, husband of Rita Ricafort for almost 24 years, died unexpectedly Friday, June 3, 2016, at Memorial Hospital. He was born in Bato, Camiranes Sur in Philippines on January 2, 1949, son of the late Eligio V. Ricafort, Sr. and Soccoro Valenciano.
Eli graduated with an associate degree in marine engineering from Feati University of Manila, Philippines as well as having received Naval Reserve Officers' Training from the Armed Forces of the Philippines in 1973. He spent several years in law enforcement before moving to the United States in 1980.
Eli established a life in Jacksonville, FL where he later met and married his wife on July 12, 1992. He spent 18 years working for Medtronic Surgical Technologies and retired in 2009.
Besides his wife, he is survived by his brother Edgar and his wife, Daisy of Jacksonville; his six children Arnold, Marilyn, Joanna, Marites, Eligio III, & May as well as numerous grandchildren of Philippines; his sisters Elsa and Amelita of Philippines; his three nephews Allen of Tampa, FL, Michael of Denver, CO and Ryan of Orlando, FL ; and his three stepdaughters, Diana & Meghann of Jacksonville, FL and Trisha of Los Angeles, CA. Eli is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Romy of San Diego, CA and sister Guia of Seattle, WA.
Flowers and condolences may be sent to Arlington Park Funeral Home 6920 Lone Star Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32211. Viewing hours at the funeral home will be Friday, June 10, 2016 from 5-7pm.
A funeral mass is scheduled for 10am Saturday, June 11, 2016 at Christ the King Church in Arlington, with a reception to follow. Father Boddie will officiate the ceremony. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Eli's life.