Richie Manuel Feliciano

Reflections of Richie's Life
On a sunny chilly day our beloved Richie transitioned into the next life on February 6, 2018. Richie began his life journey on March 3, 1965 in Paterson, N.J. and was the youngest of five children born to Elsie and Manuel Feliciano.
Rich graduated from Public School No. 25, attended Don Bosco Technical High School and graduated from dear old Eastside High School.
Richie had a desire to serve his country and shortly after graduating he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps where he was honorably discharged. He was a Fire Fighting and Rescue Specialist. He received a Good Conduct Medal, a Rifle Marksmanship Badge and a Rifle Expert Badge. He was one of "The Few. The Proud. The Marines." A proud Marine he was for he had marine decals on his leather motorcycle jacket, his car, and a huge tattoo on his arm. He loved receiving gifts that had the marine symbol whether it was a sweatshirt, a towel or a blanket a huge smile was guaranteed for he would beam with such pride. Whenever he went to the VA hospital he would greet his brother marines with Semper Fi or Oorah!
Brought up in the Catholic Church he served as an altar boy for St. Joseph's Church. You mean our Richie, yes our Rich. Hard to believe but true. He was a boy who loved making friends and sharing whatever he had with others---he was that way up until he was called home. Later in his adult life he attended St. Brendan's Church.
Richie loved music and during the 80's he was a DJ and a rapper. He had a huge album collection, turntables, enormous speakers and equipment. His music permeated throughout the 33rd Street neighborhood. His rapping was so good that his nickname became "Richie Rap." Often his mom would say, "Richie Rap or whatever your name is, turn that music down.!!!!!"
He would make us laugh when people called him "Richie Rich." Richie would respond, "My name is Richie, but I sure ain't rich."
As he got older he attended Passaic County Community College where he made the Dean's List. Yes, the Dean's List. He would carry his transcript in his wallet because many people did not believe him; so he would quickly whip out his transcript and show all the unbelievers his GPA. (Grade Point Average) His mom was so proud of him when he went back to school.
He wanted to give back to his community and volunteered to be trained as a CERT. (Community Emergency Response Team)
Rich loved Harley Davidson motorcycles and was often seen riding up and down the streets of Paterson on his Harley. You knew he was coming because you heard the sound of his motorcycle blocks away, and everyone would say, "Here comes Richie."
He is survived by two sons, Elijah and Richie Feliciano, three sisters, Yvonne Gonzalez, Sandra Rosa (David), Yolanda Howell (Robert), his godson, Steven Rosa, and his fiancée Diane Vail, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
We know that you fought a hard battle but God wanted you with him. You will forever be in our hearts and the memories we have of you will never be forgotten. Say hello to Mom, Dad, and your brother Ralphie. Until we meet again, rest in peace. We will always love you.