Rafael Ortiz Torres, beloved father, uncle, brother and dearest husband of the late Shirley Ortiz, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of March 25, 2025, at Ormond Beach, Florida after a brief illness.

Rafael, or as everyone affectionately knew him as, "Junior", was born on the 15th of August in 1949 in the Puerto Rican town of Juana Díaz to Rafael Ortiz and Josefina Torres.

With 50 years in the construction industry, Rafael had an exceptional work ethic and Do-It-Yourself outlook on every job and task that came his way.  His larger-than-life attitude and sense of humor, as well as his interests in Baseball and Wrestling, were secondary only to his love for his family and friends.

Rafael was predeceased by his parents and his wife (Shirley Ann Whedbee Ortiz).  He was survived by his daughter and son-in-law (Elizabeth Jayne and Terry Llewellyn), his sons (Rafael James and Eric Justin Ortiz-Torres), his brothers (Domingo Ortiz Torres, Carlos Velazquez and José Maldonado), his sisters (Aurea Ortiz and Luz Margarita Santiago), his three grandchildren (Isabella Jolene Benezette, Spencer Joshua and Ethan Joseph Llewellyn), several brothers and sisters-in-law, cousins, nieces, nephews, and many friends, both near and far.

A celebration of his life will be taking place on Sunday, April 13, 2025, at Tomoka State Park at 10:00am