Rafael was a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, and a man whose warmth and humor touched everyone who knew him. He shared 50 wonderful years of marriage with his beloved wife, Gricel Ortiz, building a life centered on love, family, and devotion.
Rafael was a retired chef who took pride in his work and found joy in bringing people together through food. He will be remembered for his good humor, caring heart, and the deep love he showed to his family and friends each day.
He is survived by his loving wife, Gricel Ortiz, and three children and their respective partners: Rosaline & partner, Mark, Rafael & wife, Shannon, and Damian and 11 grandchildren, Alexis, Enrique, Xailin, Jacqueline, Javier, Adyn, Gabriel, Alivia, Juliana, Isabella and Adrien. He was preceded in death by one of his children, Gabriel.
Rafael’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who loved him. Donations to the National Kidney Foundation would be appreciated in leu of flowers.
"To live in the hearts of those we love is never to die."
A Celebration of Life honoring Rafael will be held on his birthday, September 7, 2026.
