I miss you so much, Papa. Not a day goes by when I don't think of you. I still reach for the phone to call you sometimes.

My father and I spoke many times throughout my life about this very day, the day when he would pass on. We laughed, we cried, and it gave us countless opportunities to relive our numerous & beautiful memories together. He wanted me to be prepared for this moment; but most of all, he wanted me to express everything I wanted to say to him before he died. He didn't want me to live life regretting that I held something back or experience what he had with his parents which was not being prepared to say goodbye and being left with so many things to express to them after they had passed away. Though I miss my father more than words could ever express, I know I am forever united with him and will always be connected. So, I mourn his passing because I can no longer see him in the way I have been accustomed to. But, I rejoice in the fact that he is at peace, in no pain, and lived a wonderful life. He always told me, "I have had an incredible life and I have absolutely no regrets."Dearest Papa: I know we have always shared a deep, spiritual connection. I feel it now more than I ever have before. Even though we are not able to speak using our voices at this particular point in time, I can feel you all around me so I believe strongly that I can get through to you. You are a hero in my eyes for living your life so fully despite the obstacles. In 1980, you held on to life for me and my brothers, and I am eternally grateful for that (and I know they are too) because you have filled our lives with unforgettable memories and provided tremendous support in our lives. If we hadn't had you in our lives up until now, I am absolutely certain we would have suffered. You always reminded me that life is full of sacrifices, and I know you sacrificed so much for us, without hesitation. You have always been one of my truest friends in addition to being my supportive, protective, loving father. I miss our daily talks, joking with you, dancing with you, running into your arms to hug you and kiss you every time I see you. You have always been the person I can call at any time and you would answer and listen no matter what. I never ever had to leave a voicemail message for you because you were always there. Brings to mind the line from "Grease" we would always reference..."the only man a girl can depend on is her daddy." More so, I can't imagine my wedding without you. We dreamed of this day together for what feels like forever. When I walk down the aisle with my brothers, I know you will be there in spirit. Thank you for accepting Mark into the family; I know you love him and trust he will be a strong and devoted husband.I love you forever and ever...my dear, sweet Papa...Tu "nina bonita",Amy(your little feather)

After learning of my beloved cousin Raul's passing, I suddenly was filled with such intense sorrow that I really did not know how I would be able to get through his memorial service. My parents adored him especially my mother. He was in constant communication with her filling her day with laughter and loving memories of the wonderful times spent together. My brother Luis, sister Hilda and I revered and loved him intensely. Whenever we spoke of him it was as if he were the family dignitary. He was our special Hero. Cousin Raul followed in my mother's footsteps and became the very glue that held our entire extended family together as nothing was more sacred to him than family. That fact was never more evident to me than when I listened to his beautiful grandchildren and my cousins Lito, Rodney, and Amy relay their personal stories of this loving, caring and compassionate father and grandfather. Though too emotional to speak during the service, I suddenly felt my cousin Raul's spirit compelling me to share my family's cherished memories of him. I feel honored to have been a part of his family as both my sister & brother are . i am thankful to God for allowing me to reconnect with family members I had not seen in years as life has a way of getting in the way at times. I look forward to carrying on Raul's wish to keep the family together by staying connected to my cousins In the future. Until we meet again my darling cousin, Raul. Love you now and always.

I know Raul through my Sensei, Gary Wayne. I have heard countless stories about the "Old Days" in Miami. Back when I was a brown belt, I was fortunate enough to be invited to a special black belt class (to be the Uke of course) and Raul was there. That was the only time that I met Raul and I'm glad I had the opportunity. It was great to hear the same stories but with his spin. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of Raul's family, friends and students.

The incomparable service my three magnificent cousins prepared for my uncle will last in our memories for ever: an honorable service for an honorable man. Much was said about the greatness of my uncle Raul and of his benevolent personality. He was indubitably a highly esteemed sensei, as so many students attested with their presence there; he was a true renaissance man of the 21st century for his wisdom acquired by his incessant love for books, and most importantly, because he touched and was touched by so many great people along the life he lived to the fullest -he often told me in our long and very enriching conversation I so profoundly loved and will always treasure-. TÃ­o often said to me that "to be great you had to relate to great people to learn from them" and that they came from every walk of life. The last few days God allowed him to spend with us he was taken cared -along with my three cousins- by two very special people: my mother, his older sister Felita -a name he called so many times- and James West, a person he learned to love so dearly. TÃ­o learned from everyone who added to his greatness, to his life. I am sure that TÃ­o learned much from them for he often said: I am a better person every time I learn something from people around me". These are some of the thoughts left to us from a great man who lived among us.

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Raul was an exceptional partner as we worked together at the Public Defenders Office for many years. He was dedicated to his family and his job. He will be missed by all who were blessed to know him. John KenyonA true gentleman...I remember the time we enjoyed dinner at our house with Raul & Debbie when Gary visited from Jacksonville. It was a special time spent with special people! Bobbye KenyonOur thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time. May God's comfort bring you peace.Sincerely,John & Bobbye Kenyon

My sincere condolenced to the family, I am sorryn for your loss. May god give you the strength during these difficult times. He enourages us to "draw close to God in prayer, and the Bible promises that "he himself will sustain you."--Psalm 55:22.

I remember when my family and I went to Miami I knew that we would have a great time, Tio Raul(uncle Raul) was always there to made us laugh and enjoy every minute of the visit.I never saw him sad, he always had a smile on his face. My mother(his sister Sonia) always told me that when I was a little girl I used to say that I was the luckiest girl to have such a handsome uncle. I will always treasure those memories.I love youTio and I always will.RIP

Memories of Raul flood my mind! He was one of the most loving, compassionate men I've ever known. We often spoke of spiritual matters and meditating. I remember, and still have, a tape of instrumental meditation music that Raul gave me. When Debby and Raul first married I was a young mother and needed a mentor. Even though Raul was only 8 years older than I was, he seemed so wise and he put into words what my heart was telling me...we connected on that higher level that only a few arrive at in a friendship. Over the years, after my family moved away, Raul would send me emails of a spiritual nature that touched my heart. We were connected also by the fact that we were both born on July 24th!! Sometimes we shared a birthday cake! One special memory I have of Raul, is when I started college, as an adult, and I had to write a paper for my English class, and the subject of the paper was to be based on an interview with someone that I admired; I chose Raul!! I got an "A" on the paper.My heart is heavy, and the tears continue to fall, but I know Raul is with his Savior and he is without pain. My heart now has another empty spot, but my memories are rich of a man I could always depend upon to love me and care about me.

Raul was always there to catch me when I was about to fall. I recall one time in particular - I was carrying a big tray with a glass coffee pot filled with hot coffee and porcelain cups & saucers. I slipped on a greasy spot on the floor, my feet went out from under me, and as I went up in the air I clearly expected to fall amidst broken glass and hot coffee. Magically, Raul appeared and scooped me up from behind just as I was surely going to hit the deck. Raul loved his entire family more than his own life. He was a courageous warrior and a man of great honor. He was responsible for bringing his siblings and their families from Cuba to this country during a very dangerous time. I have known Raul for 40 years and was married to him for 32 years. I never stopped loving him although we divorced in 2007. He was and is my family. We laughed together at the fact that there was no category on Facebook for our special relationship. I wanted to list him as "family" so we jokingly chose the designation of "cousin." Sweet dreams, my cousin, and may angels sing you to your rest.

I flew into Miami tonight to visit my parents and, when I arrived, my mother told me of Raul's passing. Raul was my first and only Sensei. He introduced me and my classmates to Shuri Ryu at Cushman when we were in 5th and 6th grade, and I've thought about him often over the years. He always excuded such strength and honor, and made us understand how important it was to never lose sight of our moral compass. Even though I haven't seen him since my childhood, at age 42, I still consider Raul to be one of my greatest teachers.

To the members of Raul's family, I am sorry for your loss, and I pray the Lord will comfort you.I was fortunate to have met Raul about four years ago. Victor Grasso and I would go to the gym three times a week, and, like clock work, Raul would appear, almost magically - without a sound.Raul, thank you for all the words of encouragement and meaningful guidance. Although we only knew each other for a short time, you will be remembered for a life time.Thank you my friend.

My dearest cousin, Raul. You were such a loving and compassionate person and the world was a blessed place with you in it. I will always cherish the joyous times spent together and I know you are one more Angel watching over us all. My husband & I will carry you in our hearts always. Te quiero mucho, primo...

When I was a child, there were many things that made me angry. In fact, there was a time in my life, when I felt that this anger would envelop me, and that I would become consumed by the flames that burned within my soul. There was one person, in my life, who was able to reach me and save me from myself, and that was my uncle Raul. His wisdom and strength has always inspired me, and I will never forget that his love gave me the courage to climb out of the darkness that clouded my mind.About 40 years ago, my Uncle Raul gave me a picture that I still have to this day. On the back of this picture, he inscribed some inspirational words, which have guided me throughout my life:To: Richard"A strong wind may destroy a sturdy tree, but the willow bows and the wind passes through.""The "way" does not require your faith, it requires your understanding. Learn the "way" place your faith in yourself""A warrior is a protector and a survivor. A fighter is one with a leak in his self image."Love, Uncle Raul

Mi querido hermano Cuqui, a veces los designios del Señor son incomprensibles pero tenemos que resignarnos, y buscar en El el consuelo y las fuerzas para seguir luchando. Tus comienzos fueron pobres pero muy nobles. Tus grandes aspiraciones te llevaron a un notable y honrado progreso lleno de jÃºbilo producto de tus incesantes esfuerzos. Nos trajiste a tierra de libertad, y gracias a ti pudimos superar nuestras expectativas al comenzar una nueva vida en este maravilloso paÃ­s.El ejemplo de nuestros padres fue la inconfundible estrella que nos guiÃ³ toda la vida: allÃ¡ en la Cuba de nuestra infancia y juventud y aquÃ­ en este paÃ­s que aprendimos a amar y respetar durante nuestra adultez y vejez. Â¡QuÃ© afortunados fuimos! con frecuencia hablamos tÃº y yo al hacer un breve repaso de nuestras memorias, de nuestras vivencias de allÃ¡ y de acÃ¡. ExtrañarÃ© nuestras largas conversaciones codificas para mantener nuestras mentes activas; extrañarÃ© tus frecuentes llamadas, las llamadas habituales que yo te hacÃ­a; extrañarÃ© llamarte "brujito" cuando te anticipabas a mis llamadas; extrañarÃ© tus acostumbradas visitas, tus chistes, tus tantas cosas que jamÃ¡s me cansarÃ© de recordar a solas y con mi hijo Kiki. Fuiste un ejemplar padre, hijo, esposo, hermano, tÃ­o, abuelo, amigo, un maestro...; fuiste un hombre Ã­ntegro, justo y sincero; fuiste, para quienes te conocieron, un ejemplo a seguir. Al dejarnos has conseguido unos de tus grandes sueños la uniÃ³n de la familia y sobre todo cÃ³mo ha demostrado el amor que sienten por ti.Te adoro mi hermanito.

I once read this "when you lose someone important in your life, the world still turns, the stars still shine and the wheels of time move inexorably on...but somewhere deep within your soul, an important part of you dies."Almost 58 years of my long life memories of my uncle is not easy to prÃ©cis in these few words. TÃ­o, as I proudly called him, can only be described as the quintessential father whose everlasting essence will live in his three exemplary children, my cousins Rodney, Raoulito, and Amy. TÃ­o was so unique in so many ways that every memory I can evoke of him is a true and profound learning experience. Every opportune moment I shared with him was an instance of an enlightening experience. I loved him so much for so many things he so caringly did in my life, for my life; I don't know where to begin since all of them were, are and will ever be so important to me. My uncle was the father figure to my sister in Cuba, whose constant communication with her and her daughters made a significant change in their lives. He was also a father to Eliut, who, in absence of his real father, sought in TÃ­o his guidance and words of advice. TÃ­o's enviable perspicacity, sophisticated wit, enjoyable personality, personal and professional rectitude were some of the characteristics that distinguished him. TÃ­o has now joined his three other sisters in Heaven: Judy, Yoly, Sonia, and his dear nephews Nandy and Freddy, thus he is not alone. He is profoundly missed by his sister Fela and brother Manolo. Mi tÃ­o will live for ever in me, in my memories, in my spirit, in the real-meaning of me. Â¡Mi querido TÃ­o es Kiki, hasta que nos reunamos otra vez!

Time and distance means nothing. I loved you when I followed you around in awe of my big cousin. I love you now. I'll love you always.

Raul has been my dear friend and a special neighbor for over 18 years. My family and I are going to miss Raul as a special friend and as a guardian who was always watching out for us. Just this morning, we were talking about Raul and my teenage daughters shared stories about Raul watching them walk home safely from the bus stop while I was at the office. In recent years, Raul would come over to our house to give them assistance in washing their cars ... just like he did for his own daughter, Amy, some time ago when she lived at home. He was truly a special person to be remembered by me and my family.

As a former student of Deborah's, I would see Raul around the theatre department and at productions often. He definitely commanded a room with his presence; he seemed to carry himself with this intensity and power. But once you started talking to him, he would smile at you and immediately you felt like you were talking to an old friend. He made you feel at ease and welcome. And on occasion I would make him laugh, and he had one of the greatest, big laughs I had ever heard. I remember one night when I was playing CLUE with the Sanchez family, we were discussing the silly names of the characters and at one point I mentioned a silly name was "Gertrude". Little did I know that was the name of Deborah's mother. I was so embarrassed but Raul found it to be hilarious and laughed so hard he had to get up from the table and walk it off. I will always have the fondest memories of Raul and my heart goes out to his loved ones at this time. He will be missed greatly, but he has left an amazing legacy through his work and his family. Thanks so much Raul for making me feel welcome in your home & for sharing your laugher & light with the world.

What great memories I have of Raul in his uniform decorated with his sharpshooter's medals. He drove us around in his convertible on Queens Boulevard and always stopped at "White Castle" to stuff our faces with those small burghers. He was my hero and I'll never forget him. I know he's with my mom & dad whom he adored. We love you Raul. Luis, Kenia and family

RAUL WAS QUIET A FINE PERSON AND DEAREST FRIEND ANYONE COULD EVER AS FOR VICTOR AND I WE JUST ADORED HIM HE WAS SO SPECIAL TO US WE WERE LIKE FAMILY WE GOT SO ATTACHED TO HIM IT WASNT HARD HE HAD A HEART OF GOLD AND HE WILL BE MISSED TOO MUCH I KNOW GOD HAD A WONDERFUL PLACE FOR HIM HIS MANSION WAS READY HE WAS A PERSON WE WILL NEVER FORGET HE WILL BE IN OUR PRAYERS ALWAYS TILL WE MEETYOU AGAIN RAUL MAY GOD KEEP YOU IN HIS CARE I KNOW YOUR UP THERE WATCHING OVER US .

I remember when I first met his sons, Rodney and Lito (Raoul). We all went to the beach together. They were so adorable. I remember when we had packed up and were ready to leave in the parking lot, Lito remembered that he forgot a special shell that he had found. I went back with him to find it.

Raul and I took a trip to Key West. I really wanted to go out dancing. We ate dinner at a Lobster House that had no lobster so he ordered turtle steak. We then went dancing. Soon after Raul felt sick to his stomach. He got food poisoning from the turtle steak, We always said he turned green like a turtle.

OBITUARY

Raul Arturo Sanchez

July 24, 1935 – March 19, 2013

Fred Hunter's Funeral Home & Fred Hunter's Hollywood Memorial Gardens

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