In Loving
“Wil”Rojas,M.Ed
Saint Peter the Apostle Church
1019 North Fifth Street ( 5th and Girard Ave.) Philadelphia, PA
Viewing: 9:00 AM * Mass: 11:00 AM
Since the 1960s, Wilfredo has tirelessly worked to help others. Wil, as he liked to be called, passed away on April 5, 2025, at 73, surrounded by his wife, Carmen, children, and loving extended family. Wilfredo Rojas dedicated his life to positively impacting our community and worked tirelessly to serve others. His legacy of more than fifty-five years of leadership and life-long efforts will continue to inspire us.
Wilfredo "Wil" Rojas, M.Ed., was born in the small rural town of Yabucoa, Puerto Rico. His family moved to Philadelphia when he was six years old. He attended St. Peter the Apostle Catholic School, where he also served as an altar boy. He is the retired co-founder and first director of the Philadelphia Prison System's executive-level Office of Community Justice and Outreach and a current member of the East Greenwich Township Joint Planning/Zoning Board. Co-founder of a host of influential organizations focused on issues of equality and justice, which includes being the longest-serving president of the Philadelphia National Congress for Puerto Rican Rights, first vice president and communications chair of the Gloucester County NAACP, and cofounder of the Young Lords. Wilfredo was also a fourth-degree knight with the Knights of Columbus. He also wrote columns for community papers and is in several books and documentaries.
Following his retirement from the Philadelphia Prison System in 2012, he jumped into action again for justice. He and Aleida García's 34-year-old son, Alejandro Rojas García, was murdered on January 24, 2015. Wilfredo, always the warrior for justice, joined Aleida García in co-founding the non-profit 501 (c-3) National Homicide Justice Alliance. Wilfredo was an avid Phillies and Eagles fan. He regularly hosted Super Bowl parties at his house. Wil loved spending summers in Wildwood, New Jersey, and he would look forward to the family's annual trips. He also loved going to Disney and Disney cruises
He is survived by his wife of twenty-nine years, Carmen Marrero, a bilingual school psychologist; his four living children, Enid, Rebecca, Juan Neumann, and Veronica Santina; and his stepson, Nelson Rosa Cintron, as well as his nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his son, Alejandro Rojas Garcia, his grandson, Edinelson Mendez, Jr, and an infant daughter, Rachel Gianna. Wilfredo is also survived by five half siblings from his father's side. Wilfredo loved his family.
"Everything he did for the community was motivated by his desire for social justice and service to others."
Carmen Marrero, wife of Wilfredo Rojas, board member of the National Homicide Justice Alliance.
Saint Peter the Apostle Church 1019 North Fifth Street ( 5th and Girard Ave.)
Philadelphia, PA
Viewing: 9:00 AM
Mass: 11:00 AM
Eulogy: Mr. Robert Zepernick
Remarks/Resolutions/Card Reading
Officiant: Father Rene Canales
Scripture
Lectura del libro de Job (19:1, 23-27a)
En aquellos días, Job tomó la palabra y dijo: “Ojalá que mis palabras se escribieran; ojalá que se grabaran en láminas de bronce o con punzón de hierro se esculpieran en la roca para siempre. Yo sé bien que mi defensorestá vivo Y que al final se levantará a favor del humillado; de nuevo me revestiré de mi piel y con mi carne veré a mi Dios; yo mismo lo veré y no otro, mis propios ojos lo contemplarán. Esta es la firme esperanza que tengo”.
Palabra de Dios
Psalm 23: Songs Preformed By Giovanni Morales
Scripture
A Reading from the Letter of St. Paul to the Philippians Brothers and sisters: Our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we also await a savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. He will change our lowly body to conform with his glorified body by the power that enables him also to bring all things into subjection to himself. The Word of the Lord
Gospel Reading
Communion
Recessional
The gavel's hush, a silence deep, Where once a voice for truth did leap. The scales, once balanced, now seem bent, By shadows long, a world un-sent.
Justice's torch, now dim, yet bright, Reflects the battles, day and night. A soul departed, yet remains, In whispers soft, through sun and rains.
The fight for fairness, never ceased, A legacy of hope, released. Though gone from sight, their spirit soared, A beacon bright, forever adored.
The echoes linger, in the hall, Of justice sought, for one and all. The scales still sway, the battle's call, But in their heart, we stand up tall
