Rafael Soto

March 14, 1950 - March 10, 2022

Rafael Soto was born in Durango, Mexico on March 14, 1950, the fifth of 11 total children to Rafael and Pia (Mejorado) Soto. As a family, they traveled across the country and eventually settled in Tecate, Baja California. He always recalled his childhood with fondness, noting that his parents were rich in kindness, humility and faith. As a young man, he made his way north and at various points lived in Los Angeles, Detroit, Chicago and Alaska; but ultimately called San Diego home. Throughout his life, Rafael was well-known for his love of baseball and had an uncanny ability to recall baseball facts that spanned the history of the game. His love of the game began as a child when he played ball with his brothers and continued until the end, as he was often seen wearing his treasured Willie Mays jersey. Rafael was fiercely independent, always living life on his own terms, but took great pride and admiration in his children and grandchildren. He will be missed by his children Lorena (Luis), Memo (Patty), and Pia Alicia (Alex); his grandchildren Noah, Sophia, Liam and Gabe; step-grandchildren Paulette and Remy; his childhood sweetheart and mother of his children Estella Patricia; his last spouse Jesus Aurelia; siblings Miguel, Elias, Ofelia, Ruth, Betty, and Becky, as well as numerous family members and friends. He entered into eternal rest on March 10, 2022, reuniting with his beloved parents, his siblings Alfredo, Manuel, Jose Antonio, and Blasa, and his grandson Diego.