Obituaries

I am heartbroken - for your wife and son, for your entire family, for your friends and community and for the world. You were truly one of the kindest, most amazing people I ever met. The world is a sadder place without you in it. I will forever cherish the memories of playing violin with you in your parents' living room and with the Castella Orchestra. You inspired me to keep playing and find peace and meaning in music. Although you were going through a much tougher journey than me, you were an incredible support during my own journey. I am deeply sorry I wasn't able to see you again. Farewell my friend - I will miss you very, very much. You will forever hold a very special place in my heart.

Posted by Tina on December 14, 2025

I am heartbroken - for your wife and son, for your entire family, for your friends and community and for the world. You were truly one of the kindest, most amazing people I ever met. The world is a sadder place without you in it. I will forever cherish the memories of playing violin with you in your parents' living room and with the Castella Orchestra. You inspired me to keep playing and find peace and meaning in music. Although you were going through a much tougher journey than me, you were an incredible support during my own journey. I am deeply sorry I wasn't able to see you again. Farewell my friend - I will miss you very, very much. You will forever hold a very special place in my heart.

Posted by Tina on December 14, 2025

Rafa, estoy desde ayer intentando creer que no es verdad, que no ha podido pasar... La vida es muy injusta y yo estoy sin palabras. Voy a recordarte siempre hablándome de tu hijo y de tu mujer con el orgullo de tener esa bonita familia. También hablándome de música y del cello, que tanto te gustaba y quisiste aprender también, cuando ya dominabas otros instrumentos a la perfección. Voy a recordarte siempre que coma lentejas o coco, porque solo tú conseguías inventar letras así y hacer reir a toda la orquesta. Fue un gusto enorme tocar a tu lado, y compartir giras y escenarios. Siempre que tenga que tocar alguna melodía de esas cellísticas intensas, voy a acordarme de tus palabras, pues siempre te emocionaban. A tu querida familia, mandarle desde aquí toda la fuerza y acompañarlos en el dolor. Te voy a echar mucho de menos, hasta siempre, amigo! 💔

Posted by Isabel Cupeiro López on December 13, 2025

Gira por España, con The World Orchestra. Estábamos muy cansados, llevábamos muchas horas de viaje y la foto no fue en ningún sitio "bonito", simplemente fue en una de las paradas que tenía que hacer el autobús para repostar, había una cafetería y una gasolinera. Pero recuerdo esta foto con mucho cariño, porque lo importante de la foto son las personas, dos amigos emocionados por llegar al próximo destino para disfrutar de la música en otro gran auditorio.

Posted by Isabel Cupeiro López on December 13, 2025

The world has lost a very special person with the passing of Rafael! Such a gifted, talented musician, and a beautiful, kind soul. I made music with him many times in Albuquerque and Durango. My heart breaks for his family.

Posted by Barbara Morris on December 12, 2025