Rafael D. Cortez Rafael D. Cortez, 65, passed away on Wednesday, June 19, 2013. Rafa was born in Laredo, Texas and graduated from St. Joseph's Academy in 1966. He was as a juvenile detention officer and later as a chief deputy for Sheriff Mario Santos. He then owned R.D.C Security Services and subsequently opened several small business. Rafa will always be remembered as "the man in the cowboy hat" and for his amazing ability to remember people, details, stories, and events. His sharp memory and intellect will not be forgotten. He is preceded in death by his parents Rafael D. Cortez and Herminia Medina Cortez, paternal grandparents Juan and Manuela Rubio de Cortez, maternal grandparents, Pedro and Eloisa Vasquez Medina and cousins, Pedro Bautista, Hector Gonzalez, and Jose Gerardo Garcia. He is survived by his children, Kiko, Vanessa, Celina, and Rafael, his twin sister, Elsa Arce, nieces, Lisa, Luci, Laura and Ellie and his most beloved aunt Ana Cortez Lopez and uncle Jose Lopez. Also surviving him are his grandchildren, nephews, nieces, other relatives and many friends. A mass will be held at 9 a.m. Tuesday, June 25, 2013, at Blessed Sacrament Church, 2219 Galveston St., Laredo , Texas 78043 Interment will be held at a later date.