Raphael Iheanyi Asuzu, 70, of Baton Rouge, LA passed from this life on July 4, 2023 at his home. His memorial service will be held at Winnfield Funeral Home of Baton Rouge on Friday,August 11 at 3 p.m.

Raphael, called "Ralph" by friends and family, was born in Nigeria to Cecilia Okoro and David Osunkwo Asuzu on April 3, 1953. Growing up he developed an enthusiasm for school and served as an altar boy in his church community. As a young man, he served in the military and worked at a sea port. He met his late wife Lerina Asuzu in Liberia, and together they immigrated to the U.S. and became citizens.

After moving to Louisiana, he earned a bachelor's degree in chemistry from Southern University and A&M College. He built a career working as a quality assurance chemist for Formosa Plastics for 24 years. There he became a cornerstone of the lab training many of the staff during his tenure. He was well respected among his colleagues and known for his jovial nature, big laugh, and pride in his Nigerian heritage. Ralph enjoyed intellectual discussions and debates of current events, watching professional American football, and trying new restaurants. He valued and stressed the importance of academic and professional achievement and encouraged a

strong work ethic in everyone he came across. A Catholic convert, he attended Mass at St. Louis King of France Church before transitioning to St. Thomas More.

Raphael is survived by his son, David Asuzu of Baton Rouge, LA, and his daughter, Matilda Asuzu of Denver, Colorado. He is preceded in death by his wife, Lerina Asuzu and parents, Cecilia and David Asuzu.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Raphael's memory to Southern University's 1880 Society Annual Fund (  https://foundation.sus.edu/the-1880-annual-fund/  ). The family sincerely thanks the university for educating them over the years.