The Rojas family is deeply saddened to announce the passing of co-founder and Vice President Wilfredo P. Rojas, a cherished community activist, leader, and long-time advocate for justice and civil rights.

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 the lives of others.

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 co-founder 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 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, is a board member of the National Homicide Justice Alliance.

Remembering Wilfredo P. Rojas:

Funeral will be on April 10, 2025. The viewing will begin at 9:00 AM, and Mass will start at 11:00 AM at Saint Peter the Apostle Church at 1019 North Fifth Street, Philadelphia. ( 5th and Girard Ave.)

The mourners may follow the family to Eglington Cemetery, 320 Kings Highway, Clarksboro, New Jersey, 08020

ARRANGEMENTS BY LANDOLFI FUNERAL HOME, 300 W. Broad Street, Paulsboro NJ 08066. To share condolences please visit www.landolfifuneralhome.com