Jose Antonio Valencia Figueroa

Born July 5, 1928 in San Juan, Puerto Rico to Benigno Valencia and Petra Figueroa.

He received a High School diploma in San Juan, P.R.

From 1943-1951 he was a metal sheet worker for the Federal Government in Bayamon, P.R.

Military service-U.S. Army from 19 April 1951 to 28 Dec 1955 and received a Honorable discharge. He was awarded the following medals: Combat Infantry Badge; Korean Service Medal with 2 Bronze Stars, Purple Heart, United Nations Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal and National Defense Service Medal.

He was a proud member of the 65th Infantry Regiment "Borinqueneers" Unit out of Puerto Rico. In 2014 the unit was recognized by Congress and the bill signed into law by President Obama in order for the unit to receive the highest cilivian Congressional Gold Medal.

Married first wife to Meredes Arroyo "deceased". Two sons were born (Jose Jr and Esteban "deceased"). Seond wife to Rosa Maria Velazquez "deceased".

He touched many lives with his positive attitude in life until the very end. His famous line would be "Old soliders never died, they just fade away."

He leaves behind a son, Jose Jr. in New York, two nephews, one brother and extended families in Puerto Rico and many friends in Miami, Florida.

On 2 May 2022, he will lay to rest at the Puerto Rico National Cemetery in Bayamon, Puerto Rico and spiritually rejoining his brothers-in-arm.