Waldy was a true fighter from the very beginning. Born in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico on April 15, 1981, he was only seven days old when he was diagnosed with renal failure. From that moment on, his battle began—but so did his legacy of strength, resilience, and heart.

At just 44 years old, Waldy lived a life that many could never imagine enduring. He spent decades facing dialysis, hospital visits, treatments, and setbacks that would break even the strongest souls. Yet Waldy fought every single day to live a life of a champion. He received three kidney transplants—his first gift of life came from his mother and lasted two years, and the second and third came from donors who saved his life once again. Because Waldy was given life more than once, our family has made the decision to give life to someone else through liver donation, knowing this is exactly what he would have wanted.

Behind Waldy's strength was an incredible mother who dedicated her life to her baby boy. When Waldy was still young, she packed up her three sons—Carlos, Dennis, and Waldy—and with the support of their community, moved to the United States with little more than faith and determination. That journey led them to Massachusetts General Hospital, where Waldy would receive the best medical care possible and continue his lifelong fight with courage and grace.

Though small in stature, Waldy had the biggest heart. He was one of the funniest people you could ever meet, with a smile that was contagious and a laugh that filled every room. He loved fiercely and loyally. His family—especially his mom, his brothers, his aunt, cousins, his nephews, and his friends—meant everything to him. To know Waldy was to know an amazing human being.

Waldy was known by everyone. He was truly the "Mayor of Chelsea"—you couldn't walk into a store or down the street without someone recognizing him. He made connections everywhere he went. Since he wasn't able to work a traditional job, he found purpose and family at a barbershop, where he cleaned, organized, and—truth be told—ran the place in his own way. He told the barbers and the owner what to do, and they loved him for it. Their day didn't begin until the "little big guy" arrived.

Waldy will be deeply missed, but his story does not end here. His life was spared not once, but multiple times, and it is in that same spirit that his legacy will continue—by giving someone else the chance to live. Waldy lived with heart, humor, and unmatched strength, and through this gift, his love and fight will carry on forever.

Waldy is the beloved son of Margarita Villanueva of Chelsea and the late Carlos Feliciano.  He is the dear brother of brother of Carlos Feliciano and his wife Claudia of Boston and Dennis Feliciano and his wife MaryAnn of Saugus.  Devoted uncle to Ashlynn Feliciano of Minnesota, Dennis Feliciano, Jr., Giovanni Feliciano, both of Saugus, Carlos Adrian Feliciano and Felix Feliciano, both of Boston.  Also lovingly survived by his great nephew, Jaylen Feliciano of Saugus and an aunt, numerous cousins and friends.

FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS:  Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend visiting hours in the Carafa Family Funeral Home, 389 Washington Ave., CHELSEA on FRIDAY, January 23, 2026, from 9:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. followed by a Funeral Service in the Funeral Home at 12:00 Noon.  Interment will follow the service at Lakeside Cemetery in Wakefield.

We encourage family and friends to offer condolences by means of the online guest book or to send a personalized sympathy card.