Rafael Garcia

Rafael Garcia, 93, was called home to his heavenly Father on February 3, 2026, in Coral Gables, Florida. Born on February 4, 1932, in Havana, Cuba, Rafael lived a life marked by resilience, ingenuity, kindness to others, and deep devotion to his family.

Rafael's early years were shaped by responsibility and hard work. After completing sixth grade at Colegio La Salle in Havana, Cuba, he left school to assist in his father's shoe store, Peleteria Roxana. Even as a young man, he demonstrated a strong work ethic and an aptitude for technical skills that would define much of his life. In his twenties, he served as a lieutenant in the Cuban Red Cross, driving ambulances with courage and compassion. He also worked for RCA of Cuba repairing transistor radios—an early sign of his lifelong fascination with electronics and innovation.

In April 1959, Rafael made the bold decision to migrate to the United States without his family. He began anew in South Florida repairing radios before landing a pivotal role with Motorola in Chicago as part of their Latin American sales department. It was there that fate introduced him to a bilingual flight attendant, Antoinette "Toni" DeCamp—the love of his life.

In 1972, Rafael and Toni returned to Toni's hometown of Miami. Soon after settling there, Rafael founded Teletrol, Inc., a telecommunications business that he operated with pride and dedication until his passing, including patenting three telecommunications devices and processes in the late 1980's. His commitment to excellence was evident in every project he undertook; he approached even the most complex technical challenges with determination and creativity.

Rafael was known not only for his professional acumen but also for his vibrant personality—a unique blend of character and gentlemanly charm. With a perpetual twinkle in his eye and an ever-ready smile, he practiced what those around him fondly called "pastelito diplomacy," delighting bank clerks, wait staff, neighbors—and anyone lucky enough to cross his path—with pastelitos de guayaba or other small treats offered from the heart.

The family enjoyed many years sailing Biscayne Bay aboard his beloved 30-foot Columbia sailboat, the "Vitamin Sea," and many rendezvous and junior sailing events with the Coconut Grove Sailing Club. Rafael and Toni loved traveling extensively, both before and after their children were born- periods that were affectionately known as B.K. (before kids) and A.K. (after kids). They took Angela and Grant to Opti and Laser regattas far and wide. After a kidney transplant in 2007 from Toni to Rafael, they enjoyed many additional trips to Alaska, Europe, the Caribbean, and, most recently, Niagara Falls. They were parishioners at Church of the Transfiguration (Episcopal) in Saluda, N.C., and First United Methodist Church in Coral Gables, Fla.

Above all else, Rafael cherished his family. He is survived by his devoted wife of 58 years, Antoinette (Toni) DeCamp Garcia; daughter Angela Garcia Kozlowski of Baltimore, Md.; son Grant Garcia and daughter-in-law Amanda (Mandy) Wathen Garcia of Annapolis, Md.; and six grandchildren: Julia, Marcus, and Zak Kozlowski; Daniel, William, and Lillian (Lilly) Garcia. He also leaves behind countless memories that will continue to guide them—including his love of very crunchy waffles and of savoring ice cream until the last bite.

He was preceded in death by his parents Rafael Garcia Franco and Manuela Moral de Garcia as well as by his son-in-law Mark Kozlowski.

The family will receive friends at home on Saturday, February 21, 2026 from 2-4pm to remember Rafael and celebrate his life. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to National Kidney Foundation and the Coconut Grove Sailing Club Instructional Center.

Rafael Garcia leaves behind not only a legacy of professional achievement but also one of warmth, humor, love—and pastelitos shared with joy. May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him. We rejoice in the promise of eternal life in Christ.