Rafael Emilio Zaldivar

It is with deep sorrow that we inform you with the passing of Rafael Emilio Zaldivar (100) Born in Camagüey, Cuba. Spouse to Libia R. Zaldivar (preceeded his death).

Father to Rafael Zaldivar (Jane). Libia (Jorge preceeded his death) Ortiz. Richard (Denise) Zaldivar all of Orlando, Florida.

Grandfather to Jorge ( Jillian), Brittany, Richard, Rafael, Alex (preceeded his death). Gabriella and Natalia.

Great- Grandfather to Ethan, Sebastian, Alex, Emory, and Richard.

Rafael was a hurricane survivor at age 8 in the 1932 hurricane in Cuba. Rafael was devoted to his family, whom he brought from Cuba were his 2 children, parents, and wife in 1971 after having to cut cane in a concentration camp for 3 years in order to come to America. Later, the apple of his eyes was born in America, a 3rd child. Rafael was a hard worker and was retired from the Orange County School Board. After his retirement, he sold electronics at the Flea Market on the weekends. He loved to dance and was a sharp dresser. He collected watches which he gifted to his doctors, friends and family. He loved video cameras and radios for his political news & stereos for his LP collection. He was a reseller and enjoyed thrifting with his daughter, who cared for him at her home for the past 10 years, where he passed away peacefully on Friday, March 8, 2024.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Woodlawn Funeral Home and Memorial Park in Gotha. Florida.

A visitation for Rafael will be held on Wednesday, March 13, 2024 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at Woodlawn Funeral Home with a funeral service to follow at 11:00 am. A committal service will be held at 12:00 pm.

Please visit our website at www.WoodlawnFuneralHomeGotha.com to express condolences or share a memory with Rafael's family.