Jose A. Feliciano Sr.

Mr. Jose A. Feliciano, Sr., age 76, passed from this earthly existence with true honor and distinction on April 8, 2015 in Orlando, Florida. He entered into eternal rest, in his Lord’s arms, with his entire loving family by his side. Visitation is scheduled from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Monday, April 13, 2015 at Stewart Family Funeral Home. Services will be Tuesday, April 14, 2015 at 10:30 AM at Stewart Family Funeral Home. Private burial will follow at Tyler Memorial Park. Mr. Feliciano was born March 9, 1939 in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. He attended the San Gabriel School for the Deaf in Santurce, P.R. An immigrant to the United States looking for opportunity, Jose obtained his citizenship and started a family, as well as a new life, in 1957 in New York City. He subsequently resided in Maryland, North Carolina, Texas and eventually retired in Florida. Born into a Catholic family, he had a strong faith and continued that faith in the Baptist Church. A proficient automotive expert and enthusiast, Jose worked diligently throughout his career in automotive restoration and repair. He loved restoring antique automobiles and achieved great joy working in and with various facets of the automotive industry. Consequently he had a great interest and derived much enjoyment from NASCAR. He also enjoyed all other sports including football and baseball. Jose,Sr. took great pride in his family and children. He strongly encouraged them to “just be”, an expression he used in dealing with the qualities and character traits including, but not limited to, honesty, loyalty, compassion, respect, thoughtfulness, and sincerity. He knew if they practiced these principles they could succeed. As a result, he was most instrumental in teaching them the life lessons necessary for survival and success in this world. Mr. Feliciano, Sr. is survived by his wife, Aurea Feliciano of Leesburg, Florida; his son, Jose Hernandez of New York City; his son, Jose A. Feliciano, Jr. and wife Wanda of Tyler; son, John Feliciano of Tyler; son, Jeff Feliciano and wife, Marci of Tyler; daughter, Juanita Feliciano and husband Rodney of Tyler; and daughter Michelle Hawkins and husband Bobby of Leesburg, Florida. Also survived by brother, Gao, Jr. of New Hampshire; sister Angie of New Hampshire; sister Jeannie of Puerto Rico; and sister Lourdes and husband Victor of Killeen Texas. Grandchildren include Jose (Joey) Antonio, Yolanda, Adrianna, Anthony, Joseph, April, Jacob, Julia Ann, and Jenna as well as multiple great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, a son, Antonio and his grandson, Jackson, son of Jeff and Marci. Pallbearers will be Jose Hernandez, Jose A Feliciano, Jr, John Feliciano, and Jeff Feliciano. In lieu of flowers, charitable donations may be made in his honor to the Tyler Deaf and Hard of Hearing Center, P O Box 6134, Tyler, TX 75711, or directly to the Feliciano Foundation, c/o Feliciano Financial Group, 1828 ESE Loop 323, Suite 200, Tyler, TX 75701, founded by his son for charity purposes and primarily benefitting Deaf Associations in Tyler, Florida, and Puerto Rico.

Jose A. Feliciano Sr.

March 9, 1939 - April 8, 2015