Rafael Diaz Gonzalez

Rafael Díaz Gonzalez was a caring father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, friend, neighbor and human being - known to many as papá, abuelito, El Artista, RDíaz, o Don Rafael. His battle with medical issues for more than the past decade showed his courage in facing challenges with a smile. He was a Truth Student, where his faith in God made his transition to the Light easy and smooth. Don Rafael transitioned on Saturday, November 27, 2021 at the age of 83, surrounded by loved ones who will continue to honor his legacy by living their lives to the fullest. He is celebrated by his children, Carmen Scaffidi of Worcester, Luis Díaz of Holden, Oscar Díaz of Worcester, and Rafael, Isabel, Santo, Juan de Dios, Brenda, and Pamela, all of Dominican Republic; four grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and many nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by four brothers and six sisters. 

Don Rafael was a comical man with a great sense of humor who enjoyed the simplest pleasures in life, exemplified by looking at his personal belongings that he never let out of his sight: his $8 watch and his $2 “I Love Jesus” hat. A man of faith, Don Rafael was also a family man, a businessman (like helping to start the sport betting lottery system in Dominican Republic), a lover of baseball and Dominican Republic’s National Dominoes Champion - El Campeón de Dominó! Additionally, Don Rafael was a pillar in the community. Even after being gone from Santo Domingo for over 10 years, people in the community still asked for him and relied on him, even for $20 dollars to buy food, as they knew he would provide.

Don Rafael had big dreams for his community and family - he taught us what it means to give your children a better life than what you had and what it means to go after the American dream. From getting all of his children travel visas to ensure they would never be limited in pursuing whatever they may dream to truly believing in his daughter’s sewing abilities that he thought she was a famous seamstress, Don Rafael instilled in us the true definition of unconditional love and support. Also, despite Don Rafael not having the opportunity to finish 8th grade himself, he taught us the responsibility and value of becoming a professional, which all of his children are.

Above all, Don Rafael Díaz Gonzalez was a light of life filled with love, gratitude and laughter. He taught those around him the value of family, of providing, and of being a person of your word - persona de palabra.

We love you, we appreciate you and you will live in our hearts forever!

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, December 11, 2021 at 11:00 am in Unity of Central Massachusetts, 386 West Main Street, Suite 4, Northborough, MA 01532.