Rafael Ronnie Bromert

Rafael Ronnie Bromert was born May 20, 2009, and passed away unexpectedly on September 16, 2026, at the age of 17. He was a beloved son and grandson, and his absence is felt with profound sorrow by those who knew and loved him. Rafael lived in Tucson, Arizona.

“Rafael” means “God Heals” or “God has healed” in Hebrew. In the midst of grief, his family holds close the meaning of his name and the quiet hope it carries.

Rafael was a young man of remarkable artistic talent, and his drawings will be treasured as lasting gifts of his gentle spirit. In recent years, those closest to him watched him grow with a thoughtful, curious eagerness as he approached adulthood—meeting what was ahead with bravery, and carrying himself with a kindness that was steady and sincere. Alongside a warm sense of humor, there was a sensitivity in him that made his care for others feel genuine and deeply human.

He could be counted on to lend a hand, including helping his stepdad, Eric, as they worked on building storage units in their new home and taking on the many projects that come with it. The respect and love shared between them was, to those who witnessed it, priceless.

Rafael also shared a close bond with his mother, Beth, and the love and support she gave her son was both glorious and gratifying to see. Beth especially cherished the walks they took together—times when they talked about everything that mattered, and also the small, seemingly unimportant details that are, in truth, part of what makes a life.

In honor of our Rafael, his family asks each person who reads this to remember that words are powerful. They can plant a seed of hope or a seed of despair in one’s spirit. We are all fellow travelers on this earth, co-existing on this life’s journey. Just as the meaning of Rafael’s name is “God Heals,” may we each strive to be a healer of one another through the care we show and the words we choose.