Rafael Ruano Cat

1951 - 2025

On October 5, 2025, Rafael Ruano Cat passed away peacefully in Sacramento, California.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 44 years, Rosina Martinelli Buxareo; his parents, Rafael Ruano Figari and Clementina Cat Vidal; and his siblings, Jorge, Inés, and Juan José. He is survived by his four children, Rafael, Martin, Veronica, and Gabriela; their spouses Rachel, Sarah, Dave, and Alasdair; and his ten cherished grandchildren: Rafael Mateo, Lucas, Nicolas, Diego, Andres, Sofia, Rosie, Leo, Francesca, and Elena.

Rafael was born on August 18, 1951, in Montevideo, Uruguay. He married Rosina, his high school sweetheart, at the age of 21. He earned degrees at the University of Pennsylvania, George Washington University, and Stanford University before settling in California in 1984.

A constant presence on the sidelines of his children's and grandchildren's sporting events, Rafael passed down his love for sports, his appreciation of The Beatles, and his admiration for Winston Churchill to the generations that followed him.

Rafael will be deeply missed by his extended family, friends, classmates, and colleagues - in Sacramento, Uruguay, and countless other places where his warmth and wit left a lasting impression.

Above all, Rafael took the greatest pride in the family he and Rosina built together. Their shared legacy continues through their children and grandchildren, whom he cherished above all else.