With deep sorrow and profound sadness, we announce the passing of Rafael Coloca on March 11, 2025, at the age of 56, after a lifelong battle with congenital heart issues. A beloved son, cherished brother, adored uncle, and treasured cousin, Raf’s greatest joy in life was his family. His warmth, kindness, and unwavering love for those closest to him will be deeply missed.
Despite significant health challenges, Rafael lived a life of remarkable determination and achievement. He was awarded a full academic scholarship to the University of Pennsylvania, where he graduated with honors, and he built a successful career as a financial advisor, earning the respect of colleagues and clients alike. He also had the opportunity to experience different parts of the world, traveling to Europe, East Asia, Canada, and Central America.
Raf had an incredible mind and was known for his vast knowledge and insights in any setting across every subject—film, literature, culture, history, public affairs, and sports. He was a gifted amateur photographer, capturing moments with a storyteller’s soul. Immensely proud of his Italian heritage, he was an enthusiastic soccer fan following Team Italy in the World Cup and Arsenal in the Premier League, and he was a loyal season ticket holder to Major League Soccer’s Miami F.C. Raf built dear, lifelong friendships spanning childhood, college, bowling leagues, and soccer fan groups, and was always the heart and soul of any gathering or celebration with them.
Universally admired for his inner strength, resilience, and positive spirit, Rafael never let his health define him. He faced every challenge with grace and fortitude and never sought to burden others. His love, generosity, wit, and a laugh that would light up the room will be remembered by all who had the privilege to know him. Each day or moment with Raf was a gift and a blessing. His affection for those closest to him, particularly his nieces and nephews, knew no bounds, and they celebrated every family event that much more because of his presence. Raf was their beacon of love and tenderness.
Rafael is survived by his devoted parents, Antonio and Anna Maria Coloca; his beloved siblings, Cathy (spouse Jeff and children Lauren and Matthew), Lina, Anthony (spouse Cathy and children Ashley, Alyssa, and Alexandra), and Marcel (spouse Christie and children Olivia, Nicholas, and Vincent); and an extended family of uncles, aunts, and cousins who will forever hold him in their hearts.
Family and friends are invited to honor Rafael’s life at a viewing on Sunday, March 16, from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Boyd-Panciera Family Funeral Care, 1600 N University Dr, Pembroke Pines, FL 33024. A Mass will be held on Monday, March 17, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Bernadette Catholic Church, 7450 Stirling Rd, Hollywood, FL 33024, followed by entombment at Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Miami, 1500 S State Rd 7, North Lauderdale, FL 33068.
Rafael’s legacy of love, perseverance, and devotion will live on in the hearts of everyone who knew and cherished him.
Boyd-Panciera Family Funeral Care
Boyd-Panciera Family Funeral Care
St. Bernadette Catholic Church
Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Miami
© 2025 Boyd Panciera. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Luisa Vazquez
March 13, 2025, 6:47 pm
To Ana María, Antonio and entire family.
With my sincere condololence for the lost of Rafael.
I will be there with you on Sunday.
Magaly Vazquez
Nicole
March 13, 2025, 7:01 pm
This is such a huge loss 💔 Rafael was such an amazing soul. I am so lucky to have been able to call him a friend and to spend time with him while he was here. Rest in peace my darling 🕊️
Rick ONeill and family
March 13, 2025, 7:10 pm
Lina and Family,
My deepest sympathies for your loss. May he rest in eternal peace. 🙏🏻❤️
BRYAN FIORE
March 13, 2025, 7:52 pm
Rock on Rafael, you will be missed..
Cathy, Lina, and Anthony, I do not recall is we ever actually met in person, but you guys were always sprinkled in conversations with Rafael. Peace.
Robert Torricella and Family
March 13, 2025, 8:07 pm
Hi Coloca Family. Sending love, deepest sympathies, and prayers that Raf is home in His loving embrace and that you all are filled with peace, comfort, and joy in knowing that he is.
Rocco Gasparro
March 13, 2025, 8:28 pm
Vi siamo vicini nel vostro dolore🙏🏼🌹❤️😓
Dall’Italia Rocco Gasparro e Mimma Carrà
Annie Soubasis-Santa Maria
March 13, 2025, 9:44 pm
To the Coloca Family
I am so sorry for your loss. I remember spending almost everyday out front with Ralph and all the kids in the neighborhood. We made such great memories. Thinking of you all and sending prayers during this difficult time.
Ernie Hernandez
March 13, 2025, 10:09 pm
Dearest Raf,
I and many others had the pleasure of meeting you through Fort Lauderdale Gooners at Legends you were always such a joy to be around your genuine friendship warmness and generosity. We will miss you greatly and never forget you.
Love you always,
Ernie and family
Silvana Carnevale
March 14, 2025, 4:16 am
Thank you for the opportunity you gave me to share a month of conversation and laughter. Thank you for your sweetness, for always having the right words. My heart is broken, but you’ll live on in me forever, with the expression in those loving eyes.
Brian and Cristina Powell
March 14, 2025, 3:13 pm
The holes that Ralph has left in our hearts cannot be defined. We feel such deep sorrow for all whom he loved and those who loved him. Brian will forever miss their 3 hour Saturday night phone calls. I know he considered Ralph his “brother from another mother” and the best of best men in all senses of the word.
Paul Sammel
March 14, 2025, 3:45 pm
Hey Rafael. For 25 years here in Florida you have always been my best friend. You always taught me something new about just about anything every time we hung out. You were my movie buddy always. I could never get you to see a movie I wanted. I always watched one of your documentary and history films. You told me all the facts while watching the films and I learned more from you than school itself. You had a remarkable brain. You gave me one if the best Thanksgivings ever by inviting me to your house to spend it with your family. We did tons of cool things together from vacations in Vegas, KISS concert, and turning me onto soccer and great talks throughout the games. I’ll miss you like crazy my friend. You and Doctor G better party it up in heaven my friend. Till we meet again 🙏❤️🩹
Corinne Ducey
March 14, 2025, 4:39 pm
My deepest condolences on the loss of your dear brother. Always difficult to lose a family member, but one so young makes it even worse.
My heart goes out to you & your family.
Mark Russell
March 14, 2025, 7:17 pm
To the Coloca Family,
I am deeply saddened to hear of Rafael’s passing. I remember him fondly and cherish the great memories from our time as neighbors and friends on 18th CT. Please accept my heartfelt condolences during this difficult time.
With sympathy,
Mark Russell
Al and Betty Pisa
March 14, 2025, 7:27 pm
To all the Coloca family we are sending love and prayers for the loss of a wonderful man. Without his knowledge, love, laughter and empathy the world is missing a bright light that gave so much to so many. Rest in peace Rafael. You will be missed and remembered always