Rafael Avila

Rafael Avila was born in Cuba to Rafael and Maria Luisa Avila on May 25, 1930. He went to school in Havana. He married Gloria Avila on February 23, 1952 in Havana. He worked as a Major League Baseball Executive for the Los Angeles Dodgers for 50 years.

He was the first recipient of the International Scout of the year award in 2006, was honored with inductions into the Dominican Republic Hall of Fame in 1996 International Sports or Latin American Hall of Fame in 2003 and Cuban Sports Hall of Fame in Miami. Ralph Avila created the Dodgers Campo Las Palmas Academy in Dominican republic in 1987 and was the first camp opened and operated by a major league team. He aided in the foundation of Futuro Vivo, an orphanage and school in Dominican Republic. He was knighted by the Dominican Republic president for advancing baseball in the country.

Rafael Avila is survived by his wife - Gloria; sons - Rafael and Albert; grandchildren - Christian, Erika, Amanda, Alexander, Nicholas, Alan and Annelisa; great grandchildren - Maya, Johnathan, Avery, Zoey, Savannah, Asher, Maci, Ambrose and Ellie.

Visitation will be at Fred Hunter's Funeral Home (6301 Taft Street, Hollywood, FL 33024) on Monday, February 6, 2023 from 4pm-8pm.

Funeral services will be held at St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic Church (701 N Hiatus Road, Pembroke Pines, FL 33026) on Tuesday, February 7, 2023 at 11:00AM with Father Jeff McCormick officiating.

Burial will follow at Our Lady Of Mercy Cemetery (11411 NW 25th Street, Doral, FL 33172).

Arrangements are by Fred Hunter's Funeral Home.

The family of Rafael Avila wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Catholic Hospice Organization.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to - https://www.futurovivo.org/colabora-con-nosotros/