America Reads Spanish wishes to express its condolences to the family and friends of Ismael Alicea for their sad loss. May he rest in peace.

Copy of the letter by Manny Figueroa on behalf of REFORMA:

“My Fellow REFORMISTAS:

It is with a heavy heart that I share some very sad news with you all. This afternoon I received the news that that our own Ismael Alicea, a long-time member of the REFORMA Northeast Chapter and retiree of the New York Public Library, was tragically murdered in his home in Congers, New York. He was 61 years old. His New York Public Library family and his REFORMA Northeast Chapter family are terribly saddened by his early demise.

Until his retirement in 2009, Ismael Alicea worked at The New York Public Library in New York City for 36 years. He started as a clerk and worked his way up to associate director of adult education and outreach. Ismael was an active member of the Northeast Chapter for many years. I believe he may have been one of the founding members of the Chapter. On October 30, 2009, Ismael was awarded REFORMA Northeast Chapter's Pura Belpre Librarian of the Year Award for his achievements working to improve library and information services to the Latino and the Spanish-speaking community.

I am extremely saddened to hear of this tragic news. Ismael was a wonderful person, colleague, friend, and mentor. I am fortunate to have known him while working at the New York Public Library and I have many fond memories of him as I am sure many of you do. His passing is a great loss for everyone whose life he touched in one way or another. May he rest in peace.

Sincerely,

Manny Figueroa”