Wow Raphael dead! I sure hope it's only a rumor. I had the chance to see him play at the Chicago billiard Cafe in the mid 80's in the weekly wednesday night tourneys it would boast a tremendous field including the likes of Efren Reyes, Billy Incardona, Boston Shorty on occasion and the usual suspects Tom Spencer, George Michaels, Rocketman, Mike Bandy, etc.
Raphael was a gifted and very scrappy player who was a delight to watch.
I also saw him play in ring 9-ball games at neighboring bars. He went on to play very strong in the pro ranks. Anyway I hope it's only a rumor.
Phil Welch