Marlborough – Deacon Francisco Alicea, 83, born in San Lorenzo, Puerto Rico to the late Venancio Alicea and the late Emilia Reyes, of Marlborough and formerly of Waltham,? passed away quietly at home Friday, July 25, 2014, surrounded by his loving wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Frank, or Paco as he was known by his family and close friends, is survived by his wife of 63 years Fabiana Alicea (Rodriguez) and his seven children, Anna Garcia of Tampa, FL; Carmen Christmas of Tewksbury, MA; Francisca Smith, Francisco Alicea, Jr. and? Margarita Alicea of Marlborough, MA; Reynaldo Alicea of Holbrook, MA; and Gladys McNamee of South Easton, MA.? He is also survived by 15 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren. He leaves numerous family members in his beloved island of Puerto Rico and abroad.
Frank migrated from Puerto Rico to Massachusetts in 1957 seeking better employment opportunities for himself and a better way of life for his family.? He began working as a migrant worker at several local farms and as a landscaper; he also did custodial work for Brandeis University's Facilities management department for 25 years. No stranger to hard work, Frank loved working in his flower garden and spent countless hours pruning and taking care of his plants. He was especially proud of his vegetable garden of which the fruits of his labor would be enjoyed and savored by family, friends, and neighbors alike.
He retired from St. Mary's Church in Waltham in 2006 after having served as Deacon for 24 years; he then served as Senior/Retired Deacon at Immaculate Conception Parish in Marlborough assisting the Hispanic Community until his illness prevented him from doing so about one year ago. For more than 30 years he has been involved in the spiritual growth of many and had been instrumental in cultivating and running the Religious Education programs for Adults for the Hispanic communities. He will be greatly missed.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, July 31, at 10:30 a.m., at St. Mary's Church, 133 School St., Waltham. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery, 250 High St., Waltham. Calling hours for Deacon Alicea will be Wednesday, July 30, from 5 – 9 p.m., at Immaculate Conception Church, Prospect Street, Marlborough.
In lieu of flowers, the best way to honor his memory would be to make a donation to The Catholic Appeal (https://41399.thankyou4caring.org/2014CAdonation). When making an online donation, please mention St. Mary's? Church, Waltham or? Immaculate Conception Church, Marlborough. In the Comments section, please add “In Loving Memory of Deacon Francisco Alicea.” Please contact Jacqui Miller ([email protected]) or James Willson ([email protected]) if you require additional assistance. Thank you and God bless!
