Julio C. Abrantes

Julio Cesar Abrantes was born in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico on January 13, 1936 to Pedro Abrantes and Inocencia Casiano-Abrantes. Along with his brother, Pedro and sister Ada, his family relocated to the Lower East Side of New York City in 1945.

He attended Murray Hill Vocational High School through 1953. During his high school years, he studied dance and was chosen as a Carnegie Hall Star of Tomorrow. After high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy. He served in the US Navy aboard the U.S.S. Yellowstone, traveling to many ports throughout the world. He was honorably discharged.

After his time in the military, he attended Manhattan Trade Center School where he received a certificate in Typewriter Repair.

In February of 1959, he married Sandra Teresa Sanjurjo. That marriage produced three children: Kenneth Jay, Julia Lourdes and Sandra Jean. That marriage ended in early 1968.

In March of 1969, he married Irma Iris Irizarry. That marriage produced Lani Joan and Karla Joyce.

Longtime resident of Ravenswood Houses, he was head of the Tenant Patrol for many years.

For over 30 years, he worked as a typewriter repair man. Though not a college educated man, he went to many universities throughout the NY area and serviced machines for many New York based stars and personalities. Sadly the company he worked for went out of business with the advent of computers and word processors.

His second career was as a Grounds keeper for the New York City Housing Authority in the Ravenswood Houses. The buildings and grounds never looked as beautiful as they did during the twelve years he worked there. He retired from there in December 2003.

He spent his retirement years attending the local Senior Citizens Center, visiting with family and friends, spending time with his grandchildren. He loved cooking and could frequently be found in the kitchen “experimenting” and coming up with something new and delicious for his family to enjoy. He loved the SyFy channel and binge watching series and movies on Netflix and Amazon. A proud Veteran, he could be seen around town with one of his many caps or shirts.

A self-trained musician, he was most fond of playing the bongos, guitar, cuatro guitar and harmonica. He loved old-school Salsa, boleros and dancing. Frequently seen on the dance floor at every family gathering and party, he shared the love of dancing with his children.

On July 29, 2016 Julio entered into eternal rest. He is survived by his wife Irma; his brother Pedro; his son, Kenneth; daughters, Julia, Sandra, Lani and Karla; Grandchildren Justin, Kenlyn and Jared; as well as the partners of his children, Toni, Edgar, Darryl, Tomas and Rey. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins as well as a large amount of extended relatives. A dear friend to many – especially Jamie Gonzalez and George Lugo.

Wake services were held on Tuesday and Wednesday, August 2nd and 3rd, from 2-5 & 7-9 P.M at Thomas M. Quinn Funeral Home (35-20 Broadway L.I.C., N.Y. 11106). On Thursday August 4, 2016 a Mass was held at St. Rita's Church at 10 A.M. Internment was held at Calverton National Cemetery.