Dad, I love you so much, when you met mom and you introduced yourself and our new siblings, I was the happiest kid in the world. Even though all the roughest times we had growing up, you were always there to make us smile and laugh. You have been our protector, our best friend, and the only father figure I had. You made the world brighter and better and you made sure everyone knew that you wanted to include them and love them. You carried so much on your shoulders. You completed my life and made me the person I am today. Te amo mucho Papi, and I’ll try not to cry but you know I will. Thank you. - Keilani

Rafael was completely selfless, had a contagious laugh, and had a way of making everyone feel welcome. I’ll always have a special connection with him and Janina, because I was there the night they first met. Their love story will always be one of my favorites. – Arla (Thank you, Arla, for that night. One night changed my life – thirteen years of happiness.)

Rafael never met a stranger. It did not matter if you knew him for ten years or ten minutes. He treated you with the same warmth. He had the gift of sharing laughter with everyone, leaving a smile behind.

– Anne

Rafael was one of the warmest, kindest, and funniest people we’ve ever known. He truly was the life of the party at every family celebration, and a brother to us both. One of the highlights of every holiday season was gathering in the kitchen while Rafa made his famous arepas. We were always grateful that he was so accepting of Chi, no matter how difficult his behaviors got. The world feels a lot dimmer without his big smile. – Karina and Alton

We loved Rafael from the start. He always made us laugh. The funniest memory is when he called his coworkers “a - - holes” when he was trying to say “awesome”. – Audra and Jonathan

Rafael is and was one of the truest friends anyone could ask for. He was honest, charismatic, reliable and loyal. He was a load of fun; he always put a smile on your face no matter what the situation. I could write a ton more of what Rafael truly meant to me. I loved him and I’m going to miss him. – Paul and Becky

Our family loved his smile and his awesome sense of humor. He was kind and always made everyone feel welcomed and made us laugh. – Olivia and Valeria

When we think of Rafael, we think of a loyal and protective friend who cared deeply about the people in his life. He was fun-loving, thoughtful, and considerate, and you always knew he had your back. We’ll miss his friendship, his sense of humor, and all the little things that made him “Papi” – including the fact that spicy food, bears and gators were definitely not on his list of favorite things. He was one of those friends you were simply grateful to have in your corner, and he will be deeply missed. – Brandy and John

Rafael :

R adiante

A dorador a Dio

F eliz

A moroso

E ducado

L eal a sus seres queridos

Eso es algo de lo que yo siento por mi hermano menor…

Bendiciones

Kike

En memoria de Rafael

Despedimos físicamente a un hombre que dejó una huella que el tiempo jamás podrá borrar.

Fue un hombre comprensivo, de corazón noble, capaz de escuchar, entender y aceptar sin juzgar. Personalmente, tuve la bendición de conocer su corazón y de sentirme aceptado por él tal como era. Enseñaba no solamente con sus palabras, sino con sus acciones, con su manera de vivir, de amar, de ayudar y de entregarse a los demás. Fue un hombre de amor verdadero. Su mayor tesoro no estaba en lo material, sino en las personas que llevaba en el corazón. Y por encima de todo, su prioridad siempre fue su familia: su esposa, sus hijos y ese hogar que amó y protegió con toda su alma.

Rafael fue de esos hombres que no necesitan grandes títulos para ser grandes. Su grandeza estaba en su corazón. En su sonrisa. En su manera de abrazar. En sus consejos. En su disposición para ayudar. En esa capacidad de hacer sentir a otros que no estaban solos. Su cuerpo descansa, pero su amor permanece. Su voz se ha callado, pero sus enseñanzas continuarán hablando. Su abrazo ya no podremos sentirlo, pero el recuerdo de su cariño nos acompañará. Y aunque hoy nuestras lágrimas hablen del dolor de su partida, nuestro corazón también debe hablar de la inmensa bendición que fue haberlo conocido.