I’m heartbroken by the loss of Rafael. He was not only a friend, but someone I truly confided in and trusted. We bonded while working together at a school for children with disabilities, and one of the things that always stood out to me was how deeply he cared about his patients. You could see how much he loved his job and the children he worked with. His compassion wasn’t something he turned on and off; it was simply who he was.

When I was considering enrolling in the nursing program at Eastern Florida, Rafael took the time to put together a detailed list of requirements, advice, and guidance to help me. That was the kind of person he was: thoughtful, generous with his time, and always willing to help others. He went above and beyond, not because he had to, but because he genuinely cared.

Rafael made a lasting impact on so many lives, including mine. He was intelligent, kind, and incredibly dedicated to helping others. I will always remember the conversations we shared, the support he gave so freely, and the example he set through the way he cared for the people around him.

It is difficult to put into words how much this loss hurts. I still can’t believe there is now a world without Rafael in it. His presence, friendship, and kindness meant more than he probably ever knew.

To his family and loved ones, please know that Rafael touched countless lives through his work, his generosity, and his caring heart. I feel fortunate to have known him and to have called him my friend. He will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and never forgotten.

Thank you, Rafael, for your friendship, your guidance, and the kindness you showed me and so many others. Your impact will live on in the lives you touched. ❤️

I missed half of Tonzy's childhood in the Philippines because due to the nature and shift of my work back then, Tonzy would find me catching up on much needed sleep but he was always happy to chat with me while playing whatever he is playing with in the moments I am awake. This picture was one of them.

He was always the little boy who would stop anyone from disturbing my sleep because somehow, he knew I needed it. If only I could turn back time, I would do whatever it takes to be awake when he is around :( Sadly, I would never have the chance to sit with my nephew and chat with him while he multitasks on whatever he is doing.

Tonzy, I miss you, I love you, dong 😔❤️🕊

I’m sharing this short video because it was once part of my FB stories before all of this happened. 

This was during the time he visited me while on break from nursing school. Even though he was already an adult, I never stopped being “weird” with him. Every chance I had to hug him, squeeze him even his feet- I would do it. That was simply how I showed my love and adoration for my one and only baby.

I used to call him “Sir” and fondly called him “Sir Sauce” because he spoke with authority, yet always with warmth and kindness.

To all moms out there, never be afraid to show your silly, affectionate, loving side to your children. No matter how old they get, we never stop being their mom. Hug them tight, love them loudly, and cherish every little moment while you still can.

Now, these memories have become treasures in my heart, and I will forever thank God for the privilege of being Tonzy’s mom.

Tonzy is the sweetest boy I know in my life. He loves interacting with people. As a child, he often deliberately misses his naps when people visit because he wants to interact and engage with people. Even though he is an only child, he was never spoiled. He loves sharing and he also somehow understands the value of money and would even be the first to tell his mom not to buy expensive things and not to waste money.

Even as an adult, he was that way. Still caring, Still loving. Still never spoiled. Still loves sharing. Still being Tonzy. He has a big heart and a genuine one.

Haaay Tonzy, I miss you and I love you, dong 😔❤️💔🕊

As I walked into Tonzy’s room, I found myself checking his belongings, touching little things he once touched, just trying to feel close to him again. Then I saw this picture frame of him with a little boy. This frame used to sit on his computer table in his previous apartment. I also covered the boy's face in the photo for privacy purposes.

That little boy’s name is Mason. 

I want to share this story so people can truly know the kind of nurse my son Rafael “Tonzy” was.

My son started as a PCT, then CNA, LVN, RN, BSN, and he was close to finishing his MSN. But beyond all the titles and accomplishments, the Tonzy I knew was simply a sweet and loving soul.

Back in Florida, he worked as a private nurse for Mason. He loved that little boy so much. He would always call him “my baby Mason.” Every time he talked about him, you could hear the joy and love in his voice. He once told me that when he was with Mason, it never felt like work. To him, it felt like spending time and playing with someone he deeply cared for.

He loved hugging Mason and carrying him around. I remember asking him one time, “Are the parents okay with you hugging him all the time?” He smiled and said, “I asked permission, Mom, and they’re okay with it.” The parents would even tell him, “You don’t have to carry him all the time,” but Tonzy would say he didn’t mind at all.

One day he suddenly called me on video while they were out strolling just so I could see Baby Mason. That was how proud and fond he was of him. Everywhere he went, he would tell people how cute his baby Mason was.

When Tonzy left Florida and moved here to California, we bought him his new car. In his love and fondness for Mason, he put Mason’s name on his new ride.

I have never met Mason’s parents and honestly do not know where to find them, but one day I will try. I want to tell them my story and let them know how much love my son gave to their little boy. I want them to know that Baby Mason was truly loved by him.

My heart breaks for you both. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I know you will keep his memories alive.

I got the chance to start to get to know Raphael when he came to visit my family in November. We ate together, chatted, played games, and I got to show him around town. He was friendly, thoughtful, and full of laughter. He spoke many times about how generous and kind his parents were, and how loved he was. 

I was heartbroken when I found out about his passing, I still can’t believe it. I pray that he is filled with peace and joy now, and I pray that the people he left behind will be sustained by God, and filled with the kind of peace only He offers. 

Revelation 21:4 - He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.

Rest easy, Raphael.

Today, we remember our son through the simple moments we shared together—moments that now mean even more to us than words can express. ❤️

A quiet break after our workout together, sitting down with matcha and boba, laughing and simply enjoying each other’s company.
A beautiful bonding moment with Mom Totz in Sedona, creating memories we thought would last forever here on earth.

And maybe that’s the beautiful thing about love… it does last forever.

We miss you deeply, Tonzy. There are moments we still wish we could pause time—to hug you again, hear your voice again, and make just one more memory together.

But even in grief, we hold on to hope.
Hope in Jesus.
Hope in eternity.
Hope that love does not end here.

One day, we will laugh together again.
One day, we will embrace again.
One day, we will celebrate together in Heaven. 🙏❤️

Until then, we will carry your love, your joy, and your beautiful memory with us every single day.

OBITUARY

Rafael Antoine Mat Ramasola Rengel

November 22, 2001 – April 29, 2026

Miller Jones Mortuary and Crematory

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