Luis Alfredo Nieves Figueroa's Obituary
LUIS ALFREDO NIEVES FIGUEROS
On this day we remember Luis Alfredo Nieves Figueroa with a summary of his life. We will focus on his great love for his family, his faith, and the legacy he leaves behind. His parents were Angel Nieves and Rosario Figueroa. His siblings were Miguel, Manolo, Americo, Elpidia, Maria, Carnita, Minin and Isabel. Luis was the youngest of his siblings.
Luis Alfredo was born in Bayamón, Puerto Rico on November 10, 1935. His mother raised him in Bayamón until he reached the age of 6, which is when she passed on to eternity. His sister, Isabel, raised him until he was 16 when he moved to Chicago to live with his brother Miguel.
Four months before Luis turned 18 years of age, he met the love of his life, Carmen Ana Velez. After a short courtship of 4 months, Luis and Carmen celebrated their wedding on October 23, 1954.
They resided in Chicago for many happy years where they raised their 4 children. Luis and Carmen
lived, for a short time, in New York. Their last place of residence was in Lares, Puerto Rico where their son Wilfredo took great care of him until his last breath.
The lineage of Luis & Carmen’s children is listed in chronological order along with their respective
spouses, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
First Born Son: Luis Jr Nieves
First Born Grandchild: Luis III (Danay)
Great Grandchild: Devin
Second Born Grandchild: Nydia
Great Grandchildren: Diany & Laylani
Third Born Grandchild: Annette (Jimmy)
Great Grandchildren: Alyah, Jayleen, Michelle, Haley & Logan
Fourth Born Grandchild: Yvonne
Great Grandchild: Mikey
Second Born Daughter: Luz ENilda Nieves Rodriguez (Ralph)
First Born Grandchild: Michael (Nicole)
Great Grandchildren: Isaac, Dominic & Christian
Second Born Grandchild: Christopher
Third Born Daughter: Ruth Nilda Nieves Friefeld (Mark)
First Born Grandchild: Rachel (Dan)
Great Grandchildren: Lucille, Matthew & Andrew
Second Born Grandchild: Rebecca (Brandon)
Great Grandchild: Chase
Third Grandchild: Nathan
Fourth Born Child: Wilfredo Nieves
First Born Grandchild: Jonathan
Second Born Grandchild: Jovani
Third Born Grandchild: Julisa
Luis was a hard worker. He retired at the age of 65 but he continued to work on home projects
which kept him busy. He also took on a job as a school crossing guard!
At the age of 68, he and Carmen moved to Lares, Puerto Rico. They built a
home on their property of one acre. With much devotion, Luis cared for
his lawn and was dedicated to the care of his garden.
Luis was a trustworthy, respectable, and honorable man. He belonged to the Catholic Faith and was
careful to follow the doctrines of the church.
He faithfully prayed the rosary every night and regularly went to Mass.
Putting his faith into action, he gave generously to those in need. One example is that of a woman
who used to sit at the entrance of the church seeking financial assistance. This woman never
forgot Luis’ generosity. One day, she saw Luis and Carmen and began asking about his well being. When she discovered that Luis was ill, she committed herself to praying for him. Luis proudly owned a 1970 Buick Electra. He took extreme care of his car. It is said that he would say of it, “This car is so shiny and bright that if you sit in it, you will slide from side to side.”
For a short time, Luis was the owner of a grocery store. His favorite baseball team was the Chicago
Cubs. He never missed a game! He was such a fan that his kids gave him a party with the “Chicago Cubs” as the theme. Luis also loved bowling. He was a member of a bowling team.
Luis was a very hospitable person. He hosted many Christmas parties where he entertained his guests with the playing of his “guiro” and playing old Spanish songs. He was the perfect host as it filled him with joy to make his guests feel welcomed and well served.
Luis loved his wife with loyalty and dedication through almost 70 years of marriage. His
children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were his most cherished treasures.
All who knew Luis were blessed to have him in their lives. This is not a “goodbye”, it’s a “see you later”, it is a “until we will meet again”.
What’s your fondest memory of Luis?
What’s a lesson you learned from Luis?
Share a story where Luis' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Luis you’ll never forget.
How did Luis make you smile?
