TAMPA, Fla. — The family is mourning the loss of a father and grandfather after Hillsborough County deputies said his own brother killed him.
Loved ones of Juan Rafols said he was the bind that kept the family together.
"I miss him more than he could ever possibly even know. More than words could ever explain, and I wish time could go back," said Mayra Rafols, his daughter.
Described as stoic, always happy, and someone who could constantly make others laugh, Mayra Rafols said one of her father’s premier qualities was teaching others to be their best selves.
Among her father’s favorite joys was spending time with her 9-month-old son Yamari — going out to fish and listening to music. Above all, he always looked after others.
To Mayra Rafols’ fiancé, Jeremy Arce, Juan Rafols was like a second father to him.
"We're gonna forever have his name live on, and we're gonna forever have him in our hearts," Arce said.
Arce said he used to be mad at the world, but Juan Rafols was always there to listen and helped him become a better person. He recalled when he asked Juan Rafols’ blessing to propose to his daughter.
“He was like, ‘Oh, I'm just letting you know you are my son and you got to take care of her until the end,” Arce said.
The family has spent the last few days honoring his memories.
From revisiting pictures to rewatching videos of him or listening to his voicemails just to hear his voice, loved ones said Juan Rafols is still keeping the family together even in death.
"Everything just seems a lot more united, and I feel like it's all for him, and he's definitely looking down, appreciating what we have going on," Arce said.
Arce said Juan Rafols wouldn’t want the family to feel this way. He always found ways to make someone feel joy at their worst and always pushed through even the toughest challenges.
Rafols’ brother, Joe Ruiz, is charged with second-degree murder. Deputies said he turned himself in to USF police after the shooting in the area of North Cameron and West Henry avenues.
A spokesperson for the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office stated it was over a living situation but the investigation remains ongoing.
With the active and ongoing investigation, loved ones of Juan Rafols said they cannot discuss the details of the case.
Mayra Rafols said she hopes her father can continue to watch over them from above.
"I hope he knows how much I miss him," she said.
A GoFundMe for Juan Rafols’ funeral expenses can be found at this link.
