Tony Tarafa '79 Memorial
The Belen Class of 1979 would like to take the opportunity of its 40th year reunion to remember one of its members who was an integral part of its brotherhood. While many have been part of our class at different times and some graduated from Belen, we consider ourselves all brothers.
It is with that spirit that on the occasion of this reunion we choose to celebrate Tony Tarafa. We recognize that we have lost other brothers, and we will acknowledge them as well, but on this occasion, we point to Tony.
Ten years ago, when no reunion seemed eminent, it was Tony who encouraged us to start planning one. In return, he offered to host it. We probably would not have had that reunion and perhaps this one, if not for his prompt.
Unfortunately, before that year ended, Tony was suffering from the effects of esophageal cancer that would take his life less than two years later.
Tony started at Belen, in the old school, in seventh grade. He became very close with Father Ripoll who would, a few years after graduation, celebrate his marriage to Silvia, the love of his life.
Their boys, Tony Jr. (Toto) and Victor, proudly continue his legacy.
His years at Belen were similar to most of ours. With the small class size we had, it seemed everyone was involved in something and some were involved in many things.
Tony was involved in many things. As a senior, he was in charge of Vincam, worked on the yearbook, was a member of the student council, participated in several sports but most importantly was a friend to all.
His zest for life and his boundless ability to connect with people made him an invaluable member of our class.
He started every morning telling himself and others, “We are burning daylight”. Otherwise said, live life to the fullest. He did.
The Class of 1979 wishes to celebrate the life of Tony Tarafa and acknowledge his contribution to our brotherhood and lives by making a donation, in his name, to the soon to be built Our Lady of Belen Chapel.
Chapel Dedication for Tony
BELEN JESUIT PREPARATORY SCHOOL
500 SW 127th Avenue, Miami, FL 33184
phone: 305.223.8600 | fax: 305.227.2565 | email: webmaster@belenjesuit.org
500 SW 127th Avenue, Miami, FL 33184
phone: 305.223.8600 | fax: 305.227.2565 | email: webmaster@belenjesuit.org
Belen Jesuit Preparatory School was founded in 1854 in Havana, Cuba by Queen Isabel II of Spain. The task of educating students was assigned to the priests and brothers of the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits), whose teaching tradition is synonymous with academic excellence and spiritual discipline. In 1961, the new political regime of Cuba confiscated the School property and expelled the Jesuit faculty. The School was re-established in Miami the same year, and over the next decade, continued to grow. Today, Belen Jesuit sits on a 30-acre site in western Dade County, only minutes away from downtown Miami.