Dianne Antonina Raphael

Dianne Antonina Golubinski Raphael

October 16, 1942 – October 20, 2026

Norwich, New York • New Port Richey, Florida

Dianne Antonina Golubinski Raphael, 84, of Norwich, New York, and formerly New Port Richey, Florida, passed peacefully into the Lord’s hands on October 20, 2026.

Dianne graduated from Bethpage High School in 1960 and attended SUNY Delhi, where she studied Secretarial Science and met her sweetheart, Morris C. Raphael. They married on January 20, 1962, in Hicksville, Long Island, and shared more than 64 years of marriage.

Dianne was kindhearted and generous, a devoted wife and mother, a proud grandmother, and a treasured friend. As the matriarch of her family, she was known for her compassion and thoughtfulness. She especially loved cooking for family gatherings and planting flowers for neighbors and passersby to enjoy.

Dianne was active in the Columbus Community Church in Columbus, New York, and formerly, the Community Congregational Church in New Port Richey, Florida. She was also a member of Al-Anon, where she found friendship and learned the importance of acceptance and forgiveness. She and Morris spent many of their retirement years enjoying winters in Florida and summers in New York.

Dianne worked for more than 20 years with the New York State Department of Correctional Services. Earlier in her career, she worked as a secretary for Analogue Controls, Radio Receptor Corporation, Amphenol Corporation, and General Foods.

Her generosity extended well beyond her family. She visited shut-ins from her church and, when her children were young, brought them along on visits to hospitals and nursing homes to brighten residents’ days. She cared attentively for her mother, Jenny, and her mother-in-law, Verna, during their stays at the New York State Veterans Home. Dianne accompanied friends to medical appointments, helped with special favors, and remembered birthdays with cards and thoughtful messages.

Dianne is survived by her beloved husband, Morris Raphael; her daughter, Tracy Abbott, and her husband, Mark; her son, Chad Raphael, and his wife, Brenda; her son, Adam Raphael; and her cherished grandchildren, Morgyn and Lauryn Raphael. She also leaves her dear friend Marge Reilly and godson Michael Reilly; extended family, including Vicki Raphael, Rebecca Raphael, Vanessa Edmonds, Matt, and Marc Raphael; and many cousins and friends from her churches and recovery community.

Dianne was predeceased by her parents, Zigmund and Antonia (Jenny) Golubinski; her sister, Teresa VanEtten; her father-in-law, Robert Raphael Sr.; her brother-in-law, Robert Raphael Jr.; and her nephew Michael Raphael.

The family extends its deepest gratitude to the dedicated staff of the New York State Veterans Home in Oxford, New York, for the wonderful care, compassion, and kindness they showed Dianne throughout the final year of her life. Their attentiveness and support brought comfort to Dianne and her family and will always be remembered with heartfelt appreciation.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Behe Funeral Home Inc. Oxford, New York. Family and friends are invited to gather on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at the Columbus Community Church, 4311 State Highway 80, Sherburne, NY 13460. Calling hours will be held at the church from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. A luncheon will follow immediately after at The Whitney House, located at the church. Burial and committal service for Dianne will take place at 2:30PM at the Riverview Cemetery, Oxford, NY. In memory of Dianne, contributions may be made to Columbus Community Church, 4311 State Highway 80, New Berlin, NY 13411 or a charity of the donor’s choice. Friends and family may share memories and condolences by visiting www.behefuneralhome.com.