Cataño mayor dies after battling bone marrow cancer

Cataño Mayor Julio Alicea Vasallo

By THE STAR STAFF

Cataño Mayor Julio Alicea Vasallo died on Thursday after battling a diagnosis of myelofibrosis -- a rare type of bone marrow cancer -- over the past few months, municipal press spokesperson Elliot Rivera confirmed.

“With deep sorrow, and at a time of grief for my family, I inform our fellow residents of the passing of the mayor of Cataño, Julio Alicea Vasallo, who led our beloved town since December 2021 with fortitude, commitment, and total dedication,” stated attorney Julybeth Alicea Rodríguez, daughter of Alicea Vasallo. “Dad passed away in peace, surrounded by the love of his family.”

“We are grateful for the countless expressions of affection, solidarity, and prayers received throughout this process,” the mayor’s daughter added. “At this time of profound grief for our family, we ask for space to cope with this loss.”

Alicea Rodríguez said details on funeral services and rites will be announced at a later date, “once the corresponding arrangements have been finalized.”

“Once again, we thank the people of Cataño and all of Puerto Rico, as well as everyone who supported him during this journey with messages of encouragement and prayers,” she said. “As a family, we lack the words to express our gratitude for so many displays of solidarity and support.”

Since April 21, Alicea Vasallo had temporarily stepped away from his municipal duties to undergo chemotherapy, a stem cell transplant, and clinical monitoring.

As part of his treatment, the mayor underwent a transplant on June 8, following a nearly two-month search for a compatible donor. His daughter Julybeth -- who was a 50% match -- served as the donor for the procedure.

Subsequently, the family made a public appeal for platelet donors due to the multiple transfusions required during the recovery process.

Before assuming the role of mayor, Alicea Vasallo had dedicated several decades to public service. He worked for the Municipality of Cataño between 1985 and 1992, during the administrations of José “Pepe” Álvarez and Lupe Álvarez, and returned to the municipal government during Edwin Rivera Sierra’s tenure.

In May 2009, he was appointed executive director of the Automobile Accident Compensation Administration. He retired from public service in 2016 and subsequently returned to municipal politics.

Alicea Vasallo was sworn in as mayor on Dec. 18, 2021, following the resignation of Félix “Cano” Delgado, who later pleaded guilty to federal corruption charges. After completing that term, Alicea Vasallo won the 2024 general election to remain in office.