I remember Rafael very well. So well that I looked him up recently. He was one of our regular customers at Joe's News on Sunset Drive. I was studying art at the time, and he would come in to buy art magazines, so we became friendly. He invited me to his studio once in 1977, showing me drawings made with spray paint. I remember him wearing a white paper jumpsuit to Joe's. I also remember one of his brothers, another customer. 
I last saw Rafael at an FIU art opening. I think he had left Miami for Palm Beach. He was wearing a blue blazer and smoking a cigar!
I live in NYC now, since 1978, where another Miami friend, Timothy Greenfield-Sanders, also lives. Timothy  photographed Rafael and his mother for a Mother's and Sons, or Daughters,  spread in a Miami magazine. I still have a copy. I've told Timothy about Rafael.
I've also told the former owners of Joe's News.
Rafael stood out.
We are all saddened by the news.
Condolences.

Rafael was such a wonderful person. He was always willing to help out whenever asked. Always made himself available to students.  Everyone came to him for help and he enjoyed going out of his way. Rest in Peace. 

Quite possibly one of the best and nicest staff workers I had the opportunity to meet while I was studying at MDC. Always remembering the good and nice talks we had while he was helping me as an academic advisor but most importantly as a friend.
Farewell to a great man, my mate Rafael. 
RIP 

Thinking of you Rafael, today and everyday. I miss you my dear, talented friend.
 Love you forever, Nancy Simons Sica

My friend years will pass away but you will be evergreen in the gleeful smiles and laughs of my memory. May peace be forever with you. In loving memory on his 1st death anniversary to my dear friend  Rafael Vadia QEPD 🙏
Annagregth Ortega & Family 
02/26/2021

Se nos fué Fáfa...amigo. Me guardo mis memorias hasta la próxima reunión

I have been thinking about you since our reunion. I am so sorry we did not have time to catch up. I had been thinking  of you a lot. You are an inspiration. Miss you my friend.

I live far away now and only found out about my pal, Rafael, from Nancy Simons. To my  mind, the three of us were a sort of "art triumvirate" back in our high school days. I think about those times often and was so happy, after so many years,  to see Rafael at our last reunion...but that event passed by so fast and there was so little chance to talk deeply about the 50 years that had gone by. I was looking forward to more time for us...now that is not to be.

I will miss you my friend, and wish your family and friends only the warmest memories.

I am so saddened to hear about the passing of my dear very talented friend Rafael. The last time I saw him, we danced together---and caught up on our lives, at The Coral Gables 50th Reunion. I looked forward to seeing him again -- We used to skip classes together and drive in his sportscar to Art club meetings. I remember hanging out at his home with his lovely family. I will miss you my artist friend and confidant.

My prayers go out to the Vadia family.
Specially Alverto Vadia.  
A message, comfort provides not, but it lets you
know that at times of sorrow you and your family
are prayed for.

So terribly sad to lose a dear friend,  brilliant artist and constant source of positive energy, style and insight since we first met in the 1970's.  Losing contact over the past few years did not diminish our friendship, such fun catching up just a few weeks ago.  RIP Rafael. 

To my cousins,  my deepest condolences for the loss of your beautiful brother, my cousin Rafael. I received a beautiful card from Rafa this past Christmas which I will always treasure. Rafael we live in all of our memories as a gentle, talented and fun individual who lived life fully and artistically. I can still remember him directing “Bye Bye Birdie”  in the foyer of the Granada house as if yesterday. Rest in Peace dear Rafael. Much ❤️.

My sincere condolences to the family. So many years of friendship. You are now in Heaven enjoying the good you did on earth for so many. You were all heart and compassion. Amigo, te recordaré siempre. 
Carmen María Aguirre
Savannah, GA

Our dear colleague and friend Rafael.  

Your talents have enriched the lives of those that know you.  Your art is prominent in the Cuban and Miami community enriching our lives and reminding us of your many gifts.  The campus is fortunate to have some of your art pieces for everyone to  enjoy. 

Thousands of students have received the benefit of your knowledge.  And as a consequence of your advising and teaching roles, they are living the rewarding life they presented to you as a dream.  You always found a way to make students succeed and find their path and even when the path was not clear you assisted them to see and continue on that path.

Your smile,  passion for the arts, and determination in assisting students  will be the base of our fond memories. Thank you for sharing your life and enriching ours.

Ana DeMahy

 

We lost a friend, a brother, a father, and counselor, an adviser, but God got an Angel, this kind of person that loves to help others, to guide them to be successful in this life.  He always believe in God, and he pray with us all the time. Thinking about others, he always said and i quote: "Soy tan feo como sincero", but he did not know, he was not ugly, he did not know how beautiful and handsome he was, even thought, i said so.

I am going to miss you my Rafaelito...que los Angeles te lleven al cielo.

You always in our hearts.

Yamelis Noguera and Felix Monterrey 

So many memories from so many years ago... he was such a talented and wonderful human being.  We talked a few times here and there throughout the last years, we wanted to get together... sending love to the family❤️

I’m so sorry about Rafael’s passing.
My sympathies to all who are close to him.
Rafa was a compassionate and wonderful 
person. 
I will always hold him close to my heart. 
I love you Rafa, thanks for helping me with my
godson.  

OBITUARY

Rafael Vadia

November 27, 1950 – February 26, 2020

Caballero Rivero Little Havana

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