Rafael Goris

Rafael Goris, age 89, of Lakeland, passed away on August 16, 2022.
A native of the Dominican Republic, he was the son of the late Julian and Ana Goris.
He is survived by his loving wife of over 40 years, Isabel, children, Eugenia, Magdalena, Tomas and his wife Eugenia, Lillian, Juana, Joseline and her husband Marcelo, Dominica and her husband Dionicio, Ramona and her husband Gilberto, Ingrid, Rafael and his wife Maribel and Dolores and her husband Victor. He leaves behind his siblings Nidia, Berta and Fermin and will be missed by 22 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Ana, Loida and Lala.
Rafael owned several properties in the Dominican Republic where he enjoyed working his coffee fields, hunting wild boar and eating his prize. Rafael came to the United States in the early 1960s and became a very good cook of Spanish cuisine for many restaurants in New York City. He enjoyed lake fishing and hunting. He lived in New York most of his life and only recently moved to Florida in March 2022. He absolutely loved the sunshine and being outdoors. His children will miss the stories of restaurant life in Manhattan and tales of the subway. Rafael was a happy man, active and full of spunk all the way until his passing. He has a large, loving family and will be greatly missed.
The family will receive friends Friday, August 19, 2022, from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm at Lanier Funeral and Cremation Services, 717 Grififn Road, Lakeland, Florida 33805. Funeral mass will follow the next day, Saturday, August 20 at 10:00 am at St. Anthony's Catholic Church 820 Marcum Rd, Lakeland, FL 33809.   A graveside service will follow at 1:00 pm, at Garden of Memories Cemetery, 4207 E Lake Ave, Tampa, FL 33610.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.Lanier.care.

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