Isaac Machuca

HOLYOKE- Isaac Machuca, 86, passed away after a brief illness on Tuesday, March 24, 2015. He was a long time minister and civil rights activist who founded Holyoke's Puerto Rican Festival. He was born in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico on September 8, 1928 a son of the late Jose I. Machuca and Berta Garcia-Pizzaro. He has been a resident of Holyoke for the last 46 years. He is survived by his 6 children: Maria Badillo, Abraham B. Machuca, Luis Machuca, Roberto Encarnacion, Zoraida Encarnacion and Wanda Rodriguez. He leaves 28 grandchildren, 55 great grandchildren and several great-great grandchildren. He also leaves many nieces, nephews, and cousins as well as his 3 siblings: Jorge, Luis and Ana Machuca. Isaac was predeceased by his beloved wife, Teresa (Monarca) in 1999 and by a son Isaac Machuca Jr in 2009. Visiting hours will be Thursday, March 26, 2015 from 4-7PM at Messier Funeral Home, 1944 Northampton St., Holyoke. A funeral service will be held on Friday, March 27, 2015 at 10AM in the home and be followed by the burial in Forestdale Cemetery. Please visit www.messierfuneralhome.com for more details.