Our deepest sympathy. I have many goood memories of Raul as a colleague at MATC.
Graciela, I saw the tribute to Raul in today’s paper (Aug. 13). I want to express my sincere sympathy at his passing this past April. Wishing you and your family peace. Cheryl K.
As I began my teaching career at MATC many years ago, Raul was a mentor to me. We worked together at a few different CBO sites and I learned a lot working with him. Raul was a kind and gentle man with a passion for helping others; he will be missed. My condolences to Gracie and the entire Alcantara family for your loss.
My sympathies to Gracie and the entire Alcantara Family for the passing of Raul. I had the pleasure of knowing and working with Raul at MATC and was always impressed with his kindness. The loss of this gentle soul leaves a void in the lives of those who were blessed to have known him.
Animo! Seguiremos unidos en oracion.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
In memory of Raul Alcantara, Alex Borchardt lit a candle
In memory of Raul Alcantara, Ricardo Zuno lit a candle
For some special reason, some of our teachers come to occupy an important place in our lives, perhaps their self-denial, dedication, commitment, patience, wisdom ..... they influenced our way of "doing and saying things".
Friend, you only got ahead of us, Thanks for all the change you made in us who knew you as friends.
My sincere consolences to the entire Alcantara family.
Mr. Cardenas
In memory of Raul Alcantara, Benito y Sandra Garcia lit a candle
R.I.P. Raul Alcantara (March 28, 1956- April 18, 2020).
Raul, a retired MATC faculty member, was active in AFT Local 212 and in the Latinx community. He died after a lengthy battle with COVID-19.
Due to the social distancing guidelines, the visitation will be live-streamed from Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church on Monday, April 27, 2020, from 11:00 AM – 11:45 AM. A Mass of Christian Burial will also be live-streamed at 12:00 PM. An entombment at St. Adalbert Catholic Cemetery is to follow. https://krausefuneralhome.com/obituary/raul-alcantara/
Raul was a widely respected, a life-long educator. He began his career in Milwaukee as an educational professional at South Division High School. At MATC he taught mathematics. He retired only two years ago. Rail was also a union activist repeatedly representing MATC’s faculty and professional staff union, AFT Local 212, at numerous state conventions.
His commitment to education and justice extended beyond MATC into the community where he was engaged in urging Latinx youth to pursue higher education and to enroll in MATC.
“Raul had a quiet intensity,” recalled Frank Shansky, Local 212’s retired Director of Labor Relations. ”He didn't say a lot, but when he spoke, people listened. Whether it was a picket line in the hallways, a rally outside or a May Day march with Voces de la Frontera, Raul was one of the first people I called, because I knew if he wasn't teaching, he'd be there. I didn't have to win him over on the need for solidarity or the need to support the struggles of others outside MATC. His life experiences taught him to be a fighter, not just for himself and his family, but for others in need.”
Alcantara was recognized and respected for his community engagement. In the mid 1980’s Raul and his wife, Graciela, were awarded the Milwaukee Spanish Journal’s Community Service Award for their dedication and contribution to the Annual Hispanic Family Picnic according to H. Nelson Goodson, the former Spanish Journal Editor. He participated in many of Voces' May Day marches and in other battles for immigrant rights.
Shansky recalled, “After we both retired, I would run into Raul and Graciela at the grocery store. The first thing they would do is ask how our kids were and when we could get together. They were the perfect team; Raul with his soft-spoken nature and Graciela, always bubbly and outgoing. This disease has taken one of the truly good people on this earth. His passing is tragic. But we should celebrate the life Raul lived and the people, especially his students, whose lives he touched.“
He leaves behind his beloved wife Graciela (nee Covarrubias) Alcantara and two sons, Juan C. (Cleotilde) and Gustavo (Adriana Ramirez).
May his memory be a blessing.
In memory of Raul Alcantara, Martha Contreras lit a candle
Raul was a brother to me, he was one of a kind! He was our tired-less dancer at our family parties! We would dance and dance, he would always enjoy my food and loved my cooking! He called me little Sister! He was a big part of our family. We will forever miss him! Our family is grieving greatly for his passing. No words can ease up for the pain! Our Lord decided it was the time for him to be by his side and take him out of his pain! May God Jesus give us all peace in our hearts!... Brother until we meet again and hugs to heaven! Raul R.I.P.
Our deepest condolences to you, Grace, and all the Alcantara family. We will always remember Raul with fondness. He was a kind man with a wonderful smile. He always warmly welcomed us to your home and into the extended "family clan." You are in our prayers.
Terry and Leslie
Graciela y Familia Alcantara
Nuestro más sentido pesame, deseamos que Dios le dé fortaleza a ti y a toda la familia.
Con cariño Ernesto, Jaqueline y familia.
Salmo 34:19 El Señor está cerca de las almas que sienten aflicción
y salva a los de espíritu abatido.
Graciela siento mucho la partida de su esposo Raul, fue un gran ser humano y nos dejo enseñanzas inolvidable a muchos de los que tuvimos la fortuna de ser sus estudiantes, en lo personal le aprecie mucho y siempre estare agradecida por su tiempo y dedicacion cuando curse clases con el, le mando un fuerte abrazo.
I have many memories and each one always has him smiling, peaceful,helpful always willing to help someone. I will miss him Dearly and have missed him. The First memory was when he arrived to the states and to our home. Never would have imagined we were so much alike. Tia ,J.C Gus and families receive our deepest sympathy you are not alone in your pain. We will have you in prayer. Love the Ruvalcaba's
I was very sad to hear of Raul's passing. My condolences to you, Graciela, and the Alcantera family. I hope this photo will remind you of better times at MATC -- it's from a union social event in 2012. The two of you always looked so happy together. Love always.
Kind, loving, attentive, caring, adventurous, goofy, and intelligent. A ray of sunshine in any room. He will be missed but never forgotten.
Juan, Cleo and the Alcantara Family:
We are so sorry for your loss. Although we can't be together physically, we are thinking of you all, and keeping you in our prayers. It was always so nice to see your Dad at the boys' games. May his memory be a blessing. The Lee Family
Raul que dios te tenga en su Santa gloria te vamos a estrañar mucho una muy buena persona y como maestro que ni se diga uno de los. Mejores Raúl descansa en paz
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
My heartfelt sympathy to Graciela and all the family at this difficult time. May God's peace and blessing be with each of you.
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.