Rafael Antonio Perez Ardila

Rafael Antonio Perez Ardila was born September 15, 1943 in Bogota, Colombia to Rafael Perez and Oliva Ardila.  Rafael was educated at Christian Brothers La Salle in Bogota.  There he met his lifelong best friend Gerardo Lalinde who eventually married his sister Nhora.  He served in the Colombian military and then moved to Queens, NY at the age of 21 where he worked as a realtor.  While involved in a non-profit organization he met Nayibe Berger who introduced him to Nory Betancourt.

Rafael was deeply loved by his wife Nory Betancourt to whom he was married for 31 years.  He will be dearly missed by his sister Nhora Lalinde, her children Nicholas Lalinde, Gloria Laline and Gloria's children Raffaello, Giancarlo and Sofia.  Rafael is survived by his two children Cesar Agusto Perez and Adriana Toohey from his previous marriage and grandchildren Gavin and James who live in New York.    He is also survived by his step-daughters Monica Ginsberg and Liliana McIver and grandchildren Nicole, Eric, Taylor, Dylan, and Sydney who live in Florida.

Rafael was very involved in the lives of his grandchildren.  He was frequently found attending their tennis matches, soccer games, gymnastics tournaments, and kung-fu meets.  He also attended their music and dance recitals, plays, and graduations of his grandchildren.  For many years Rafael enjoyed playing and watching tennis.  Rafael treasured his breakfasts with Louis Berger, and celebratory dinners and gatherings with family and friends.  He was frequently found on the dance floor with Nory, and their dance moves were the envy of the rest of the room.  Rafael will be remembered as a kind, sensitive, and attentive gentleman.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to the Easter Seals of South Florida Adult Program 301 NW 103 Avenue Pembroke Pines FL 33026.