Sr. Raul Armando Echevarria, 59, of Statesville, N.C., passed away to be with our Heavenly Father on Sunday, August 8, 2021.

A public viewing will be held on Thursday, August 12, 2021, at Nicholson Funeral Home in Statesville, N.C., from 6 to 8 p.m., and a Catholic Mass will be held on Friday, August 13, 2021, at St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church, 525 Camden Drive, Statesville, NC 28677, with Rev. Father Thomas J. Kessler, Pastor, officiating. A celebration of life reception will follow the Mass in the Parish Hall.

Raul was born November 5, 1961, in Lima, Peru, to Gonzalo Echevarria and Rosa Torres. Raul made his journey from Peru to New York City’s Manhattan neighborhood on December 10, 1984. Raul met and married the love of his life, Norma Suclupe Echevarria, in New York, N.Y. In 1990, Raul and Norma relocated to Statesville, N.C.

Raul was a craftsman by trade and loved to create items that brought joy to the lives of his family and friends. Entrepreneurship was his passion, and he was fortunate enough to see that dream become a reality when he started International Cabinet and Design in Statesville. His desire to create beds, cabinetry, furniture and trimming always put a smile on his face and great pride in his heart. He worked for several companies while in Statesville that granted him the opportunity to meet so many good people that he called his friends. Raul was recognized for his work at Canac Kitchens, Kohler, Statesville Fixture Corporation, Zepsa, Palliser Furniture, Amity Cabinet & Construction and most recently Kewaunee Scientific Corporation.

What gave Raul the greatest joy was his family and the annual family trips were always the highlight of his summers. To know Raul is to know his love of God, Family, and Friends. He will always be remembered for his great smile, appetite for excellent food, dancing and his massive hugs!

Raul was preceded in death by his father, Gonzalo Echevarria.

Raul is survived by his beloved mother, Rosa Torres; the love of his life for 36 years, Norma Echevarria; four children, Denise Goncalves (Robert), Cristina Echevarria-Ramirez (Victor), Lauren Echevarria (Andrew Fries), and Aileen Echevarria (Logan Pharr); brother, Gonzalo (Yesenia) Echevarria; 10 grandchildren, Isaac Reyes, Isabella Ramirez, Valentino Ramirez, Delilah Ramirez, Madelyn Ramirez, Mia Ramirez, Alonha Pharr, Stefan Fries, Lorenzo Goncalves, Luciana Pharr, and Rocky. A host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and friends will cherish their fond memories.

In the spirit of Raul’s servant heart, in lieu of flowers, donations may be given to St. Philip Faith Formation Mission, www.faithdirect.net, church code: NC1000; or a charity of your choosing that blesses people in need.

The family of Raul Armando Echevarria wishes to extend our sincerest gratitude to Father Kurt Fohn, Father Thomas J. Kessler, Minister Tamala Bullard, and Dr. Roger Hatharasinghe for all of their support and guidance throughout this difficult time.

Fond memories and online condolences may be left at www.nicholsonfunerals.com.

Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the Echevarria family.