Rafael Albatrino, 91, of Virginia Beach passed on to a better life on January 3rd, 2025 holding the hand of the love of his life Doris, with his adult children by his side.

His family is devastated by this loss, and he will be forever missed. He was a loving father, a deeply cherished husband, grandpa, a friend to all, and a one-of-a-kind, young soul. His generosity, contagious laugh, and deep love for life were endless. He was an eternal optimist and it was this gift of joy that he carried with him to the end.

He always supported his wife, stood by her dreams, and was endlessly admired by the love of his life, who was always, without question, his greatest love. Rafael had the rare gift of making lifelong friends wherever he went, with his warmth and genuine spirit creating connections wherever he went. He found joy in life's simple pleasures - whether it was savoring a good cup of coffee, fishing, or enjoying a delicious meal. Rafael’s love for fishing was reflected in his impressive collection of fishing gear, a testament to his passion for the outdoors.

Honest, friendly, genuine, he was always true to himself. His intelligence and creativity shone through in all that he did. Whether it was an academic achievement or an artistic endeavor, Rafael’s accomplishments were many, and everything he designed and built was nothing short of amazing. His ideas were always unique, creative and full of life.

Above all, Rafael was loving, protective, and deeply devoted to his family. His selflessness was evident in every aspect of his life. His family always came first, and that love was returned in full measure. His final wish was to return to his family, to celebrate and enjoy their blessings. He will be forever remembered, loved by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

A true adventurer at heart, Rafael’s greatest passion was travel. In his youth, he explored the world visiting countries such as Italy, Monaco, England, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, Puerto Rico, Colombia, France, Panama, Costa Rica, and so many others. Though his dream of visiting Greece was never realized in his lifetime, his children are honored to fulfill that dream in his memory, carrying his spirit with them as they walk into new adventures.

Knowing and loving him was an honor. All those who loved him—family and friends alike—eagerly await the day we are reunited in heaven. Until then, his loving legacy will continue to be honored. We will cherish and love him for eternity.

“To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people just exist.” - Oscar Wilde