Alicia Mentel

Alicia Mentel, 96 years old was reunited with her loving husband, Roman, parents, brothers and sisters on July 25, 2023. Alicia is survived by her sister Zoraida Lopez, children Vilna Mentel, Roman (Albert) Mentel and his wife Aileen, Daniel Mentel and his wife Anne, her grandchildren Nicole Rigo, Amanda Hanagan, Matthew Mentel, Daniel Jr Mentel, and Michael Mentel, her great grandchildren Michael Rigo, Nora Rigo, Kelly Hanagan, Candace Hanagan and Alina Hanagan. Alicia was born Alicia Reyes Rivera in Villalba, Puerto Rico on February 15, 1927 to Julio Reyes Rivera and Francisca Rivera Ortiz. She had three sisters and five brothers. Alicia grew up in Ponce, Puerto Rico where she received her early education. She travelled to Jersey City, NJ in her twenties and stayed with family friends where she learned English and worked in retail. Her friends introduced her to Roman Mentel. They married on June 26, 1954. After marriage, Alicia lived in Jersey City with Roman where she had three children. Eventually they purchased a home in Long Branch, NJ and moved there in 1966. Once the children were grown, she worked at the Long Branch Cerebral Palsy Building for 27 years as a teacher’s aide. She was awarded a Certificate of Recognition May 9,1988 for her assistance in Girl Scout troop 6. She retired on September 1, 1992. In their retirement, Alicia and Roman travelled to Disney World in Florida, Niagara Falls, Puerto Rico, North Carolina, France, and Switzerland. Other places Alicia travelled to was Greece, Canada, Las Vegas and a Caribbean Cruise. Alicia was a devout Catholic and was deeply involved with her church, Christ the King Parish (formerly Holy Trinity). She was a member of the Rosary Society and the former Association of St Lucy of Filipini (ASLF). Alicia also went on Church retreats with the ASLF group. She became a Eucharistic Minister and went to Monmouth Medical Center every Sunday after mass to give communion to the sick. On February 2, 2002, Alicia was presented by Holy Trinity an appreciation award for exhibiting outstanding qualities of Catholic fellowship and example in her community. Alicia also enjoyed the benefits of the Long Branch Senior Center, participating in Zumba classes, parties, day trips, and ceramics. She especially enjoyed gardening and ceramics. Alicia will be remembered for her generosity to all and as a gentle, kind and loving person to everyone. She loved her growing family and enjoyed every moment she had with them all. Her smile that would light up a room will always be remembered. Visitation will be from 4pm to 8pm on Monday July 31, 2023, at the Bongarzone Funeral Home, 2400 Shafto Road, Tinton Falls. Funeral Mass will be held 10am on Tuesday August 1, 2023, at Holy Trinity Church, 408 Prospect Street, Long Branch. There will be no visitation on Tuesday prior to church, the family has requested everyone to go directly to the church. Interment to follow at Mount Carmel Cemetery, West Long Branch.

Alicia Mentel

February 15, 1927 - July 25, 2023