A Loving Remembrance of
Raymel Lamont Rookard, Jr.

Raymel was born on February 1st, 1998 in Chester Crozer Hospital to Laurie Ann and Raymel Rookard, Sr. He attended Frankford Friends School in Northeast Philadelphia. He was the drummer for the school concerts, which was the start of his love of music. He was one of the recipients of the William Penn Award for Leadership and Compassion. This leadership and compassion was demonstrated with his younger brother, Jesse, whom Raymel loved more than anyone in the world.

Raymel attended the Arts Academy at Benjamin Rush for high school, where his beautifully creative mind was nurtured and he majored in theatre. On the first day he met a young lady whom Raymel referred to as the "love of my life," Julia Tauriello. Some of his interests included wrestling, crew, basketball, and causing everyone around him to laugh uncontrollably.

After graduation, Raymel attended Holy Family University where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, as he was fascinated by the inner workings of the human mind and deeply passionate about helping others heal from pain. He built a recording studio in the house and worked as a musical engineer, as well as writing and producing his own music under the name "Ray Rooks," which was his greatest joy apart from his loved ones.

In September of 2019, Raymel and Julia gave birth to Alana Marie. Raymel took the responsibility of being a father very seriously. Everything that he did was to demonstrate to her just how much he loved her. Raymel was most unique for his sense of humor, intuitive nature, his fearlessness to be exactly who he was and never wear a mask, and his ability to look into the soul of another and know and love others at a profound depth.

After college, Raymel worked for Maxim Health Care as a recruiter, Enterprise Car Rental as a Management Trainee and SOAR Corp Recovery Center as an addiction counselor.

On Wednesday, October 30th Raymel went into the hospital where he was treated for pancreatitis. Due to the severity of this condition and its effect on his other organs, his body went into septic shock and did not survive. He died on October 31st surrounded by his family and friends. The pain and suffering of this life and the weight of his addiction was too much for him to bear, and his soul rests peacefully and eternally now with Jesus. Raymel is survived by both of his parents, his younger brother, Jesse, his partner of many years, Julia, and his five year old daughter, Alana. He is also survived by his Grandma Ella, Auntie Lisa and cousins.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate the life of Raymel on Saturday, November 16th at New Life Church, 425 E. Roosevelt Blvd. Philadelphia, PA 19120. There will be a visitation in the church from 12:30-2 pm followed by a service at 2 pm. To livestream the service, please visit the following link: https://vimeo.com/event/4723977/8068451680

Arrangements: Rigby Harting & Hagan Funeral Home
15 E. Fourth St. Media, PA 19063
www.haganfuneralhome.com