Mr. Raul Betancourt

Raul Betancourt passed away on Tuesday, January 23, 2024, surrounded by his family at the Tallahassee Memorial Hospital. Raul was born on February 24, 1934, in San Jose de las Lajas, Cuba. He was the son of Martin Betancourt and Eleanor Marquez Betancourt. Predeceased by his spouse Julia Rodriguez Betancourt, his sisters Noelia Betancourt Galloso, Gisela Betancourt Millares, Olga Betancourt Marques, and Migdalia Betancourt Millares. He is survived by his children: Maribel Betancourt Parzych (and husband Jeff), George Luis Betancourt (and wife Denise), and Raul Martin Betancourt (and wife Jennifer), his grandchildren Amanda Marie Betancourt, Raul Francis Betancourt, Adam Jeffrey Parzych, great grandson Pedro Alexander Betancourt (Peito); and his loving nieces Tania Pulver, China Gallagher, and family. Raul studied building construction at the Instituto Cívico Militar in Ceiba del Agua, Cuba and played college baseball at the legendary Estadio del Cerro. He was employed as a mason working for various Cuban construction companies. In addition, he followed in his father’s footsteps working for the Cuban Railroad system as a telegraph operator. In 1961 Raul married Julia Rodriguez. He welcomed his sons Raul in 1962 and George in 1965. In 1966 Raul and his family courageously emigrated to the United States fleeing communism, and settling in Hialeah, Florida. That same year they welcomed their daughter Maribel. He worked as a union carpenter, independent building contractor, parking supervisor with Apcoa Parking at Miami International Airport, a security officer at Gus Machado Auto Dealership and as a surgical patient transport technician at American Hospital in Kendall, Florida. He had an amazing work ethic. Raul retired to Tallahassee, Florida in 2007. His passions included cultivating lemon trees, beekeeping, fishing from his boat, enjoying a good cigar, playing dominoes, and any home building project that involved using concrete. He was a man of few words, but when he did speak it always resonated with wisdom, humor, and love. He was a dynamo of energy always doing something but pausing to watch professional baseball, boxing, and tennis. He loved to build, grow, and nurture all things around him. His tender spirit, cool demeanor, and humorous wit will be missed. A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, February 18th, 2024, 2:00 p.m. at Abbey Funeral Home, 4037 North Monroe Street Tallahassee, Florida 32303. Reception to follow at Simply Grace Community Church located at 3840 North Monroe Street, Tallahassee, Florida.

Mr. Raul Betancourt

February 24, 1934 - January 23, 2024