Born October 25, 1932 and raised in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, Philipines, the son of Jose Pardell & Mercedes Regan, Rafael G. Pardell resided in Cavite during the occupation of the Philipines in World War II. After graduating from La Salle High School in 1950, Rafael, his mother Mercedes and sister Nenita emigrated to San Francisco, California. Rafael then served four years in the United States Air Force and received an Honorable Discharge.
While attending the University of San Francisco, he played starting fullback for the elite USF soccer program. He was a member of the Block Club, the Glee Club, the Propeller Club, and the Philippines Club. He graduated from USF in 1966. Rafael enjoyed a long career with the U.S. Federal government, first with the Army Corps of Engineers and then with the United States Customs Service where he retired in 1998.Â
