WashingtonExec Remembers Raf Dominguez, CFO of CRGT

Raf Dominguez, CFO of federal technology company CRGT, suddenly passed away earlier this week. Dominguez leaves behind his wife Kathy and their daughter Gaby.

According to a statement released by the company, “Yesterday, January 8, 2013, we learned of the sudden and tragic passing of our friend and colleague Rafael (Raf) J. Dominguez.  Raf joined CRGT as Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer in late 2008, a pivotal juncture in the company’s history. He was instrumental in our growth and success over the past four years, involving himself in every single aspect of the company’s business during that period.

Yet, Raf was so much more.  He established himself quickly as a strong presence around the office as he had in his community.  Everyone who knew him, loved him.  He worked hard, laughed hard, played hard and loved hard. He was an incredibly talented, passionate and caring person, full of life and joy, committed deeply to his faith, to his family, his friends, his work and to a number of charitable causes he was personally involved in.

We deeply mourn the loss of Raf.  He was a great friend, leader and colleague to those that knew him.  Our heart goes out to his wife and daughter along with the rest of his immediate family, and to all those who had been blessed to enjoy his friendship.  We will miss him dearly.”

I first met Raf over 5 years ago and soon we would have lunch at The Capital Grill in Tysons regularly. Raf was always someone I looked forward to seeing, always had a smiling face, and very personable.  He provided me great advice as I started WashingtonExec. Most recently, I would see him this past summer on many hot Sunday afternoons encouraging his daughter at CYA Track at Chantilly High School. He was a true family man and was deeply respected in the business community.

I asked a few of Raf’s friends and colleagues around town about his impact on their lives, in and outside of the board room.

“We were truly shocked and devastated upon learning of Raf’s untimely passing this past Monday.  Raf was a dear friend and a trusted advisor to me in all aspects on the business.  Nearly every day over the past four years, Raf and I had lengthy conversations about both the business and our families.  He was deeply devoted to his family and particularly proud of his beautiful daughter Gaby.  Having my own daughter just a few years older, I would warn him of things to come, and he in turn would continually remind me of the importance in maintaining a good balance between work and family.  Raf was a deeply compassionate man. At work, he simply made you better at what you do.  He questioned everything, but always with the intent of helping us all do our best.  I can say with great certainty that CRGT would not be the company we are today without Raf’s strong leadership.  We will truly miss his friendship and leadership here at CRGT,” Tom Ferrando, CEO of CRGT, told WashingtonExec.

“I have had the honor of knowing Raf as friend and in business. One of Raf’s greatest gifts that he shared with all was love.  Raf loved his family (his wife Kathy and their beautiful daughter Gaby), his friends, his work, and life in general.  I don’t think there was a time I saw Raf when I did not get the kiss on the cheek or the big bear embrace to remind me of this.

Raf was direct in business and direct as a friend, and you always knew he had the highest integrity and treated everyone with great respect.  Raf had a smile that could light up the sky and an uncanny ability to make you laugh.  I will miss my dear friend but his lessons of living life and being happy will live on in my heart forever.   Raf taught a number of his friends about the show Sabado Gigante on TV and quickly acquired the nickname Sabado Gigante from many of us who knew him.  It had nothing to do with the TV show but rather to do with a man with a giant heart full of life that shared so much with so many,” Scott Goss, President & CEO, Preferred Systems Solutions (PSS) told WashingtonExec.

“I’ll forever miss Raf’s larger-than-life personality that could light-up a room full of people and have everyone in hysterics with his endless antics.  Raf was a devoted husband and father as well as an accomplished leader in our business community, and I’m thankful to have been blessed with his friendship and the many good times that came with it,” said Brian Clark, President of NCI, Inc.

“I had the pleasure of knowing Raf over the past several years both personally and professionally. He was widely regarded for his integrity, love for his family and friends, and dedication to his profession. Raf was highly respected in the industry and he always had time to offer advice to his colleagues as well as share his time and talents with the community. We lost a dear friend who will be deeply missed,” said Wayne Wilkinson, CEO of Nedac, LLC

“In reflecting on my friendship with Raf, I am reminded of the saying: Reputation is made in a moment; Character is built in a lifetime. Raf had character.  He was professional, kind, and always fair.  Over the years, we became close friends as we worked together to help launch the NOVA CFO Roundtable and his participation will leave a lasting legacy.  With his shining smile and zest for life, he made everyone around him a better person. A true American success story.  I am honored to call him my friend and we will all miss him dearly,” said Chad Fredrick, SVP Sales of ePlus Group, Inc.

“Last February, Raf shared his top 3 pieces of advice in an article for WashingtonExec.  His number one piece of advice was that,  “Love is the greatest gift: Love your family, love your friends, love what work you do and love your life.  If you are not loving everyday then you need to rethink what you are doing.  Life is too short to be in a bad mood, a bad relationship, a bad job, or just unhappy. God’s gift of love is precious and should be treated as such.”  Initially, I had the pleasure of working with Raf. I later became his friend and experienced the love of his friendship.  I witnessed the great love and commitment he felt for his wife, daughter, and family.  He was a man of deep faith, and I pray that he is at peace with the Lord.  Raf lived his words each and every day by always making a difference, filling the room with love and laughter, and touching the lives of many.  Raf will be greatly missed,” said Debra Stouffer, Executive Vice President of Battle Resource Management, Inc. (BRMi)

“I had the privilege to have known Raf over the past 8-10 years.  He had a big heart and always had a smile on his face and brought enjoyment to those around him.  We just finished a deal with he and his team and they did a great job.  Raf was the consummate industry executive, well respected and professional in everything he did whether it work or for charities.  He also made me feel better about the poor state of my golf game,” said Bob Kipps, Managing Director of Kipps DeSanto &Co.

Raf was 48 years old.