Miami

Funeral Held for Miami Firefighter Who Died from Cancer

Funeral services began Wednesday for a popular City of Miami firefighter who was taken off life support Tuesday following a brief battle with cancer.

A viewing for Rafael "Ralf" Garcia was held at the Caballero Rivero Woodlawn Funeral Home, located at 8200 Bird Road in Miami.

Garcia's colleagues with the City of Miami Fire Department carried the casket draped with an American flag into the funeral home.

His father said it brought him comfort to know his son united an entire city.

"It's a surreal experience, when a father has to bury a son. But although the sorrow will always be there, you see that prayers were answered. People tell me prayers failed but no they were answered because Ralf had a compassionate passing and he is the gift that keeps on giving," Dr. Juan Garcia said.

A mass will be held Thursday morning at 10:30 a.m. at St. Kevin's Roman Catholic Church, 12525 Southwest 42nd Street in Miami, followed by a burial at Our Lady of Mercy Cemetery located at 11411 Northwest 25th Street in Miami.

Garcia, a firefighter on a Miami fireboat, underwent emergency surgery Sunday to remove a tumor on his cerebellum.

He lost consciousness following the surgery and was taken off life support Tuesday after donating organs, officials said.

Garcia's wife, Maeghan, is seven months pregnant with their son, Mason.

A post on Firehouse 9's Facebook page announced the death of Garcia, also known as "Robertico."

Don't even know what to say. Stunned, heartbroken can't stop crying. Thank you for your efforts but sometimes it's not enough. We lost Ralf this morning. The last gentlemen Fireman. We love you Robertico. We will see you again in the eyes of your soon to be born son and he will know you thru our story's.

A GoFundMe page established to help support baby Mason has raised more than $140,000 since Monday.

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