Raphael De Aza

Raphael De Aza, born on May 7, 2008, In Naples, Florida, passed away on December 23, 2025, surrounded by his loving family and friends. Raphy was always a light to everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. From the time he was a baby, he filled our hearts with his beautiful smile, a smile that became his signature and the purest expression of love.

Raphy was a living example of what it means to be a true role model and of putting into practice one of the core commandments: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” In a world as divided as the one we live in today, Raphy loved everyone without distinction of color, religion, or way of thinking. He was always compassionate toward others, a lover of what is right, and respectful in all that he did.

Raphy deeply loved and respected his parents, Jessica and Ronny, and cared for his brothers, Juan and Sebastian, with immense love. He also loved playing with his dog, Ghost, his faithful companion. Raphy and Ghost would often go on walks together; moments that brought peace to Raphy and happiness to Ghost.

Raphy enjoyed playing video games, a pastime that brought him joy and moments of fun. Raphy also loved food and was truly a foodie at heart. He enjoyed exploring different restaurants, thoughtfully rating meals and talking about what he liked, what he didn’t, and how flavors could be even better. Pizza was one of his absolute favorites, bringing him simple and genuine joy. He especially loved Dominican food, the cuisine of the Dominican Republic, the country his parents are from, which always felt close to his heart. Some of his most cherished moments were spent going out to eat with his parents, enjoying good food, conversation, and time together.

Raphy dearly loved his grandmothers, as well as his aunts and uncles. Whenever he saw them, the first thing he did was ask for their blessing, followed by a warm, loving hug and a kiss. With his cousins, Raphy was exceptional, always protective of the younger ones and joyfully playful with the older ones.

At school, Raphy was loved by everyone, from his classmates to the faculty staff. Everyone knew Raphy by name, not only because he was a dedicated student, but also because he shared love with everyone around him.

Raphy fought a very difficult battle against cancer, which he faced with all his strength until his final moment. He was a true champion who never allowed himself to be defeated.

Raphy is a legend for the way he treated everyone he met and a hero for the courage and strength he showed in his fight against cancer. He continues to live within all of us as an everlasting example of strength, love, compassion, and faith.

Whenever you feel sad, in pain, anxious, or angry with someone, think of Raphy and his smile. It will fill you with light, because Raphy will always be a light to us all.

A visitation will be held at Hodges Funeral Home at Naples Memorial Gardens, located at 525 111th Ave N, Naples, FL 34108, on December 28, 2025, from 9:30 am to 11:30 am.

Following the visitation, a funeral service will take place at the same venue on December 28, 2025, starting at 11:30 am.

Raphael will be laid to rest at Palm Royale in Naples Sunday, December 28, 2025 at 1:30 PM.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in Raphael's honor may be made to Golisano Children's Hospital of Southwest Florida (link below).