Rafael Pina

Rafael Francisco Pina Galí, beloved husband and father, died peacefully at his home on November 10, 2020, in Tampa, Florida at the age of 89, with the love of his life by his side. He lived life joyfully, retaining a positive outlook and sense of humor to the end.

In addition to his wife, Olga Ortiz Pina, Rafael is survived by his children and grandchildren: Olga Pina Gomez and Guillermo Gomez of Tampa, FL and their two children Cristina and Guillermo; Beatriz and Andrew Smith of Wayland, MA and their two children Gabrielle and Owen. He was predeceased by his siblings, Francisco Pina and Carmen Casavina and was a loving uncle to Teri Pina Saff and Louis Casavina.

Rafael was born on September 1, 1931 in Sancti Spiritus, Cuba to Rafael Pina and Ana Galí. He graduated from Colegio de Belen in Havana and the University of Havana, where he earned a degree in Accounting and a Juris Doctorate. After commencing his legal career in Havana, Rafael married Olga Ortiz in 1958 and together they left their beloved Cuba for Leesburg, FL when the Castro government assumed control after the Cuban revolution. A few years later they moved from Leesburg to Puerto Rico, where they lived until late 1974, when they relocated to Danbury, CT. Danbury became their home for the next forty-five years, until they moved to Tampa in March of 2020.

Despite his successful career in the United States working in internal audit for various companies including International Telephone & Telegraph, Berol Corporation and Grolier Enterprises, his heritage, Cuba, and the immigrant experience were never far from Rafael’s mind. In the later part of his career he taught Spanish at various colleges and to individuals who sought him out for private tutoring; he also mentored Spanish-language immigrants preparing for their citizenship tests; and provided accounting and translation services to small businesses, many of which were owned by recent immigrants. He also provided translation services for various government agencies in Connecticut in an effort to better communicate services to Connecticut’s growing Hispanic community. In these endeavors he cultivated many friends who valued his support as they too found success in their adoptive country. He could always be found reading or writing, and for several years he authored a Spanish-language column for the Danbury News Times. His passion for learning extended throughout most of his life, with a wide range of interests from literature and languages to politics. All these passions were, however, eclipsed by his love for his family, which was his greatest joy.

Rafael was a truly exemplary husband and father, and a great “Lelo” to his grandchildren. The family’s own “paparazzi,” he enjoyed capturing both their special and everyday moments in pictures. He enjoyed travel and sharing those experiences with his loved ones, and ensured that music filled their home as he introduced recordings from places he visited during his career. He loved to play chess, checkers and dominoes, first with his own children and then his grandchildren. The nicknames he would assign to close family members became their pet names for life. His frequent sayings, which were simultaneously insightful and humorous, often led one to suppress a chuckle in a moment where to laugh would have been considered inappropriate. Always positive, he rarely had a critical word for anyone; when asked about his own failing health, he would selflessly inquire about others instead and never complained. His upbeat attitude, bravery and kindness were an inspiration to those who knew him. Ever grateful for the company of his friends and family, he was always ready to share with us a glass of wine (his “vinito”), his favorite cheese or a good meal. We will never forget the strength of his hugs nor the smile in his eyes.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Peter Church at 104 Main Street, Danbury, CT 06810. The family would like to thank his caregivers and the many friends that provided support for their efforts, dedication, and friendship.