Rafael H. Conte, 82, Key Biscayne's first mayor dies
wazzzy
Rafael H. Conte continued living his American Dream long after he had
earned academic degrees, served in the military, raised a family and
enjoyed a successful career.
Conte, who became Key Biscayne's first mayor in 1991 at age 66, died
Friday in Coconut Creek after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease.
He was 82.
''He loved the Key so much because of how close everyone was and how
no one had to lock their doors at night,'' said son J.C. Conte. ``I
think he was happiest when he was working to make sure it stayed that
way.''
Conte moved from Havana to the United States as a boy in 1930. He grew
up in California and enlisted in the U.S. Army after graduating from
high school. After being discharged, Conte earned a bachelor of arts
degree and a master's degree in literature from Rutgers University.
Conte married Ana Maria Facio in Havana in 1953 and brought her back
to New Jersey with him, where they started a family.
His job at Varig Brazilian Airlines required a move to South Florida
in 1970. Conte had found a house he liked in Coral Gables, but his
wife persuaded him to settle the family in Key Biscayne.
''He was forever grateful to her for that,'' J.C. Conte said.
Conte rose through the ranks at the airline to become a top sales
executive. At the same time, he served quietly on Key Biscayne's
council as it grew into an independent community.
When the newly incorporated village held elections for its first mayor
in 1991, Conte won through a clean, grass-roots campaign run with the
help of his children, according to newspaper accounts at the time. He
didn't have to raise much money, nor did he resort to throwing mud at
his opponent.
''That's my own personality, being low-key and trying not to make a
ruckus,'' Conte said in a Miami New Times article after the election.
Tragedy struck the small island community one year after Conte was
elected mayor. Hurricane Andrew thrashed Key Biscayne, forcing police
to block off access to the Rickenbacker Causeway for several days.
With anxious residents looking on, Conte argued with a police sergeant
to let them back to their homes.
''I don't want somebody going over there by boat and stealing houses
blind,'' Conte told the officer, according to a Miami Herald story
from Aug. 25, 1992.
Conte's airline job sent him all over the world, and he often brought
his family with him.
''He took us everywhere,'' said daughter Cristina Conte Musibay.
``He was never extravagant. But for someone who was an immigrant and
who went through the Depression, he was a wonderful provider.''
Conte retired after 33 years with Varig in 1993, the same year his
term as mayor ended.
He played tennis regularly at the Key Biscayne Yacht Club, and he sang
with a barbershop choir called the Miamians.
Religion also was important in Conte's life, and he served as an
eucharistic minister at St. Agnes Catholic Church.
Conte's wife died in 1980, and the couple had a child who died at a
young age.
In addition to his daughter Cristina and son J.C., he is survived by
daughter Ana Maria Conte Black and son Rafael M. Conte.
A funeral service is scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday in the chapel at
Woodlawn Park Cemetery, 3260 SW Eighth St., in Miami.
Memorial donations can be sent to the building fund at Calvary Chapel,
2401 W. Cypress Creek Road, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309.
BY EVAN S. BENN