Manuel Alicea was born on November 20th, 1946 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. A seven month premature baby, weighing in at less than two pounds, he fit in a hanky as the baby blankets were too big. No one expected he'd live, and so the priest was called in to pray; "Manuel go in peace", (Manuel vete en paz) but that was not to be, God in His awesome power, kept him with us for 67 years. He was the first born son of Margarita Quinones and Manuel Alicea, and was raised by his mother Margarita and the man whom he would come to love and respect as his dad Adrian Badillo following the tragic airline crash which took the lives of his biological dad Manuel and his younger sister Margarita. He is survived by his sisters Carmen, Milagros, Elsie, Marta and Lisa, younger brother John, brother in law Rafael, sister in law Nereida, many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. As mentioned earlier his sister Margarita went on to be with The Lord June 7th, 1949 and his brother Adrian Jr. was called home to be with The Lord Jesus on February 23, 1990. Both Margarita and Adrian have also gone on to be with Our Heavenly Father: Oh what a party!!!!! What a day of celebration and rejoicing must have broke out as Manuel arrived on that Tuesday, morning of June 3rd, 2014. Manuel was a decorated Vietnam war veteran, who was awarded a number of medals while fighting for his country, he was given recognition for serving in the First a Infantry Division , who was engaged in deadly combat against the enemy of the United State in the Vietnam conflict. His display of courage, valor and devotion to duty during the period of combat will long be remembered, he in was wounded in March 13th, 1967 while in combat and awarded the Purple Heart. Served in the Army National Guard and received an honorable discharge in August 6, 1986. Manny lived alone for most of his adult life, except for the many times he lived with his sister and after retiring from his 38 year position at Harlem Hospital, his second home. He then moved up to the farm, where he would spend the happiest years of his life. It was there where he was surrounded by "my animals" as he would lovingly call them. There was not a visit this past year, when he didn't ask if they'd been fed. His animals included the strays who during the past eight years, discovered the home of the man who's love for the wild and homeless creatures, would make their way to his garage or underneath his front door step to a place where love abide and they were safely cared for. On Tuesday, June 3rd. 2014, The Lord let Manny, as he was affectionately known, that his home was completed and that it was okay to move in. He told him to go ahead and change his address. Well my new home is finished and what a sight to behold. It is on an exclusive estate area behind beautiful pearly gates, of course, you know the streets are paved with gold and everyday is Sunday, just like you've been told. Trees with twelve manners of fruit grace my garden here, joy, happiness, no pain, no heartaches, no doctors needed, no discontentment, only sweet serenity. I can dine at the Master's bountiful table while listening to a heavenly choir and best of all, my Heavenly Father is here with all His glory. Oh yes, I have my own designer here who has fitted me with my very own white robe with wings. I could go on and on about my new home, but instead I'm going to pray that you get to move here yourself one day.....Before I go, let me give you my new address: Manuel Alicea, 1 Pearly Gates, God's Town, Heaven 777000.