Abinadab Viruet Alicea

Abinadab Viruet Alicea (‘Abi’) was born in Río Piedras, Puerto Rico on January 23, 1933, the oldest child of Felipe Viruet Viruet and Cristina Alicea Bonilla. His father was a barber and his mother a homemaker. Abi lived in Rio Piedras with his parents and two younger brothers until the age of 14, when he went to live with relatives in Manhattan, NY to work and help his family. He lived in NYC until he joined the U.S. Army in 1953 and served until 1962. During his service, he achieved the rank of sergeant and was stationed in places such as Germany, The Netherlands, and Fort Riley, Kansas. After his honorable military discharge, Abi returned to Puerto Rico and soon met the woman who would be by his side for the rest of his life, Ana Mercedes Acevedo De Los Santos. They met through relatives and, as they both described it, there was an instant connection. They married in September 1964 and went on to have five children. Abi owned a number of businesses during this time, the last of which was a gas station, but he decided to sell it and move his family to NJ in 1977 in search of better job opportunities. The family settled in Paterson and Abi began working in different factories and warehouses. He was known for his strong work ethic and punctuality and rarely missed a day of work, even when he was sick. Abi worked very hard to support his family, often juggling two or even three jobs at a time, and he always found a way to help other people. He made room in his home where there was seemingly none and one could usually find friends or coworkers at the crowded dinner table who were new arrivals to Paterson or just needed a warm, home-cooked meal. Abi finally retired in 1998. He moved to Passaic in 1995 and turned his attention to helping raise his grandson, Abinadab III, and serving as his apartment building’s superintendent for many years. Abi was an eloquent speaker and captivating storyteller who loved sharing anecdotes and stories of his youth, but he was also a great listener who offered sage advice on life’s problems and, like the tv character MacGyver, he could rig anything with duct tape and rope. He had a great sense of humor and a big, infectious laugh and was easily recognizable by his mane of hair that, according to him, made barbers run and hide. Abi loved country music, classic TV shows and movies, especially Westerns, and one could always spot him with his favorite beverage, Pepsi Cola. Abi was a dedicated follower of Christ and an active member of his church, Iglesia Cristiana Agua De Vida, Inc. He loved small congregations and this one embraced him as their own “Papá”, always spoiling him and treating him like royalty. Abi is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Ana; his children, Ineabelle Rodriguez (spouse Geraldo) of Belleville, Abinadab Viruet Jr. (spouse Yeni) of Passaic, Anabelle Viruet of Passaic, Kemuel Viruet (spouse Ana Isabel Montaño Jurado) of Spain, and Mariemir Viruet (spouse Luis Casiano) of Rutherford; his 13 grandchildren, Gerardo Rodriguez, Melissa Rodriguez, Matthew Gonzalez, Abinadab Viruet III, Kemuel Viruet Montaño, Yael Viruet, Belen Viruet Montaño, Genesis Viruet, Gabriel Viruet, Nicolas Casiano, Leah Viruet, Adrian Casiano and Camila Casiano; and great-grandsons, Noah Herrera and Elian Gonzalez. He is also survived by his brother Enrique Viruet Alicea of Hawthorne and many loving nieces and nephews. Abi was predeceased by his parents, brother Eliezer, and sisters Hilda, Miriam, Nereida and Damaris. Abi was an affectionate husband, father and grandfather who meant the world to his family and will be dearly missed. To us, 93 years wasn’t enough time to be with this wonderful and loving man but we know he’s in God’s arms now. “So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12 ESV The Oak’s Journey by Anonymous The oak tree started as a seed, A tiny thing, so small indeed. But with time and care, it grew and grew, Becoming tall and strong, like few. It weathered storms and harsher climes, And yet it stood the test of time. Its branches spread, its leaves did sway, And so it stood, day after day. The oak tree’s journey has been long, And yet it sings its timeless song. Of growth and strength, of life and pride, And of the beauty found inside. So let us honor this great tree, Whose journey we can all agree, Has shown us all what life can be, With growth, strength, and tenacity.

Abinadab Viruet Alicea

January 23, 1933 - May 9, 2026