Beloved husband of over 67 years to Zoraida Alicea; devoted father of Yvette Alicea, Robert Alicea, Yolanda Alicea-Pittman, (Martin Franke), and Diana Alicea; dedicated grandfather to Joshua Alicea, Ashley Puckett, Lindsey Pittman, Kristen Yates, (Aaron Yates), Ryne Pittman, Troy Lehman and Shelby Pittman, great-grandfather to Isabella, Micah, Joel, Zoraida, Zavier, Alina; cherished uncle to many nieces and nephews; and his faithful feline companion, Manny.
He first served in the U.S. Army and as a reservist before making a career in the U.S. Air Force of over 20 years, specializing as an Electronic Technician working on the Aircraft Navigation Systems and in his later years of service, in Avionics and as a Superintendent for the Communications-Navigation Systems and Precision Measuring Equipment. He was highly decorated throughout his military career and served in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. After retiring from the U.S. Air Force, he was employed by Bendix Corporation.
Outside of his service, he embraced life fully. He was the life of the party and could fix anything. He loved salsa dancing, listening to music and sharing a drink(or two). Whether solving crossword puzzles, listening to baseball on the radio, casting a line to fish, heading out to hunt or watching John Wayne movies, he found joy in both the simple and meaningful moments. He was larger than life, deeply loved and will be missed more than words can say.
Martin was preceded in death by his father Luis Alicea; his mother, Rosa Laboy; and his sister Candida Delgado.
Visitation will be held at Mt. Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home, 10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, Missouri 64131, on June 2, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm, followed by a Funeral Service at the same location on June 2, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm.
A Committal with Full Military Honors will take place at Mount Moriah Cemetery South, 10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, Missouri 64131, on June 2, 2026, from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm, with final resting place at Mount Moriah Cemetery South, 10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, Row 25, Lot 222.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ascend Hospice or Humane Society of Kansas City.
