ROCKLAND POST DESK
The Village of Haverstraw regretfully announces the passing of long-time trustee Rafael A. Bueno, Sr. on Tuesday, November 25th, 2025.
Rafael was first elected trustee in 2003 and served under former Mayor Francis “Bud” Wassmer and present Mayor Michael F. Kohut. In addition to serving as Trustee he has served as the Fire Commissioner for the Haverstraw Fire Department since 2003.
During his tenure, Trustee Bueno had been the unofficial voice of the downtown merchants, having been one himself for over 40 years. He always had his finger on the pulse of the downtown and could often be seen bicycling throughout the Village identifying issues as varied as potholes, broken streetlights, building code violations, and the like.
Rafael was a fiercely proud American citizen and took his oath of citizenship very seriously. And he was also proud to have been a member of Relief Hose Co. #3 of the Haverstraw Fire Department and captain of the Fire Police.
Ralph’s wake will be at George M. Holt Funeral Home, 50 New Main St., on Thursday, December 4th from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. and Friday, December 5th from 2:00 pm to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be Saturday morning, December 6th at 9:00 a.m. at the funeral home.
Rest in Peace, Ralph. You will be sorely missed.
The viewing will be held at Holts Funeral Home:
Thursday December 4, 2025, from 4 – 8 pm
Friday December 5, 2025, from 2pm – 4 pm and 6 pm – 8pm
Firematic service will be held Friday at 7 pm (Full Dress Uniform)
Funeral services will be held Saturday December 6, 2025 at 9:00 am at Holts Funeral Home
Burial will follow at Mount Repose Cemetery.
All trucks are requested to attend 4 – 1