Philadelphia, PA_ The Rojas family and the National Homicide Justice Alliance are 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 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. 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 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 a fourth-degree knight with the Knights of Columbus.

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 Superbowl games at his house. Wil loved spending summers in Wilwood, New Jersey, and he would look forward to the family’s annual trips.

He is survived by his wife of twenty-nine years, Carmen Marrero, a bilingual school psychologist; his four living children, Enid, Becky, 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, Eddie Nelson 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:

• Viewing will begin on Thursday, April 10th at 9:00 AM, and Mass will follow at 11:00 AM at Saint Peter the Apostle Church at 1019 N Fifth Street, ( 5th and Girard Ave)

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

• Contacts:  Aleida 215-815-0506, Sheila  215-205-9929, Nayda 215-960-5894