Obituary of Julia Licata

Julia Maria Licata (nee Hernandez), born August 7, 1927 and returned to heaven on July 4, 2016. Julia was predeceased by her husband Thomas Licata. Never one to accept labels, she rarely used the term “in-law” and considered all of us her children. In that vein she is survived by her children: Lillian and Michael Noonan, Thomas and Gina Licata, Robert Licata, and Susan Licata. She is also survived by her seven grandchildren: Julie, Jennifer, Chris, Danielle, Daniel, Nicholas and Samantha; and six great-grandchildren: Michael, Gianna, Cole, Amelia, Angelina and Sophia. As well, she is survived by her sister Ana Lopez, brother Pedro Hernandez, sister-in-law Fran Spielberg, and many nieces and nephews, all of whom she loved as her own. Julia was a very active member of Holy Cross R.C. Church, helping wherever she was needed. She considered the Church, and her fellow parishioners, her second family. Born in Aibonito Puerto Rico, she moved, alone, to New York at the age of 18. Julia may have been born in the countryside, but her heart lived in the City. And that love shaped her entire life. She loved Manhattan and everything it encompassed. From museums to Broadway, and everything in between, it is where she thrived. Her favorite pastime was to unexpectedly hop a train or a bus, head in to the City, and wait in lines hoping to get inside to see her favorite talk shows or a concert from one of the morning news shows. In her older years she became obsessed with pop culture, and didn’t miss an opportunity to invest in the newest reality TV craze. After her husband Thomas passed from a long illness she decided to embrace life and all it has to offer. She travelled, rode roller coasters, a camel, a horse, a hot air balloon, even the Tower of Terror, all for the first time, beginning in her mid-70s. Her most recent adventure was learning how to use a smart phone. Her first use of an emoji brought amazement and delight to her grandchildren. Julia refused to let anything stop her. To say that she was the youngest 88 year old would be an understatement. She loved to laugh and was never afraid to try anything. Her favorite saying was, “I can die happy now.” She truly lived each day as if it were her last, and will be truly missed. Please see SERVICE INFORMATION for visiting and funeral details. Please take advantage of the "condolence" and "candle" tab to the left of your screen. Take a moment to reflect, express and memorialize Julia on this tribute page to create a lasting remembrance for her family.