Julio Figueroa, beloved father, grandfather, veteran, and lifelong servant to others, passed away peacefully on May 7, 2025, in Bronx, New York, at the age of 81.
Born on July 4, 1943, in Ponce, Puerto Rico, Julio moved to Manhattan with his family in the 1940s as a young child. Though he spent nearly his entire life in and around New York City, he remained deeply proud of his Puerto Rican birthplace and carried that heritage with him always. You could almost always find a Puerto Rican flag somewhere in his pockets or on a piece of clothing.
Julio graduated from Chelsea Vocational High School in 1963, with Electrical as his chosen course of study, where his strong sense of responsibility and service first stood out. He served on both the lunch and service squads for several semesters and earned multiple certificates for perfect attendance, early signs of the reliability and thoughtfulness that would define his life. After graduating from high school, he enrolled in Westchester Community College, where he took several courses that laid the groundwork for his professional and personal growth.
In 1964, Julio joined Local Union No. 3 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) as an apprentice. After earning his journeyman status in 1970, he built a long and respected career as an electrician, retiring in 2006 after more than four decades of committed service. In 2024, he proudly celebrated 60 years as a member of Local 3, a milestone he deeply cherished. For Julio, Local 3 was more than a workplace, it was a brotherhood and second family that he supported with loyalty and pride.
In 1978, Julio enlisted in the Army National Guard of the State of New York and as a Reserve of the Army with membership in the Army National Guard of the United States, serving as a special electrical device repairer. Over his 20 years of military service, he earned numerous commendations, including the Expert Qualification Badge (Rifle M-16), the New York State Military Commendation Medal, two NYS Aid to Civil Authority Medals, and two NYS Medals for Human Service. He retired as a sergeant in 1998, honored to have served and grateful for the discipline, camaraderie, and purpose military life brought him.
Julio was a man of deep passions, his Catholic upbringing, his family, his Puerto Rican heritage, his military service and his union. He was also a tireless volunteer who gave freely of his time and energy. For many years, he spent Thanksgiving mornings helping at a local soup kitchen. He was an enthusiastic and dedicated supporter of the National Puerto Rican Day Parade in New York City, contributing behind the scenes. He remained active in union life throughout retirement, attending meetings and participating in several Local Union No. 3 clubs, including the Santiago Iglesias Educational Society, Inc., the Westchester Mechanics Association, and the Colony Club.
In retirement, Julio became affectionately known as “The Mayor of Beechwood Avenue” for his efforts to keep the neighborhood organized, reminding neighbors about alternate-side parking, helping with trash and recycling days, and always offering a friendly wave or helping hand. He even made sure the mail carrier stayed hydrated, often providing a cold bottle of water, hot cup of green tea or checking in with a kind word. He also enjoyed spending time with friends at the local bodega, catching up over coffee, discussing whatever was in the Daily News that day or simply sharing laughs with familiar faces. His warmth and sense of civic responsibility made him a beloved figure on his block.
Julio married the love of his life, Arter Yvonne, in 1969. They were inseparable for over 50 years until her passing in 2019. He was a devoted husband and a proud father to three children: Charles Phillip, who sadly passed shortly after birth, and surviving children Charles Felipe and Cecilia. He was also a cherished grandfather to Nikolette and Jessica.
Julio was predeceased by his parents, Felipe and Maria Teresa Franceschi Figueroa, and siblings Felix, Carmen, and Hector. He is survived by his sisters Priscilla, Yolanda, and Susan, along with a host of loving nieces and nephews, extended family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in his memory to one of his cherished Local Union No. 3 organizations:
Westchester Mechanics Association
P.O. Box 632
Ardsley, NY 10502
Julio’s life was a testament to duty, compassion, and community. Whether with his family, on the job, in uniform, at a soup kitchen, helping organize a parade, or walking his block, he lived to serve others with humility, humor, and heart. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.
A memorial wake will be held at Riverdale-on-Hudson Funeral Home on Saturday, May 31st, from 11 am - 2 pm. Military Honors will be rendered at 12:30 pm.
Topic: Julio Figueroa Funeral Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes
Time: May 31, 2025 09:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84892904119
Meeting ID: 848 9290 4119
Please text or WhatsApp message Will Jacobson: (914) 357-3332 if you are having any issues with Zoom.