Cecilio Feliciano

Cecilio R. Feliciano

Cecilio R. Feliciano passed away peacefully at the age of 79, on July 18, 2025, at his home in Joliet, Illinois, surrounded by the love of his family. Born on November 17, 1945, in Lares, Puerto Rico, Cecilio was the beloved son of the late Cecilio and Vicenta Feliciano. At a young age, he moved to Chicago, where he grew up and established strong roots in the community. He was a proud graduate of Waller High School and continued his education at DeVry Institute, and later attended the Coyne Institute to further his knowledge and skills.

Cecilio served his country honorably in the U.S. Army, embodying the principles of service, dedication, and resilience that would continue to define his life. Following his military service, he found a meaningful career in the electronics field, working as an electrician at Wells Gardner Electronics. He retired after 41 years of committed service, having earned the respect and admiration of his colleagues.

A man of many interests and talents, Cecilio was deeply creative and introspective. He found joy and expression in writing poetry, exploring philosophy, and studying astrology. He had a lifelong passion for boxing and mixed martial arts and was a lover of classic Motown music. Cecilio was a man of great faith in God, and was often described as loving, handy and had creative qualities that touched all the lives of those who knew him. He possessed a quiet strength with which he led his family, and will be deeply missed.

Cecilio is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Olga I. Torres; two wonderful daughters, Diana (Noel) Garcia and Jeannette (Raymond) Suarez; grandchildren, Fabian and Gabriel Garcia, and Mia and Ema Suarez. Cecilio also leaves behind his devoted sisters, Olga (Erionexi) Montalvo and Maria (Robert Arnold) Echeverria, as well as a large extended family of nieces, nephews, and cousins who will remember him fondly.

He is preceded in death by his parents, and his siblings, Elba Class, Lydia Gonzalez, Miguel Feliciano, Juan Feliciano, Miguel Angel Pagan, Ovidio Feliciano and Providencia Feliciano. His memory will endure in the hearts of those he so deeply loved and those who were privileged to know him.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, July 25, 2025, at his family home, 1224 Roth Dr., Joliet, IL, from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. Military Honors will be held at 4:00 p.m. under the auspices of the United States Army.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his name to the American Lung Association.

For more information please call 773-297-7220. Arrangements have been held under the care and guidance of the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home.