Heriverto “Herb” Alicea, 73, of Brooklyn, New York, passed away on April 21, 2026, in New York City following a brief illness.

Born on March 11, 1953, in New York, NY, Herb was the son of Concepción (“Conchita”) Gonzalez and Hernenegildo Alicea, and was raised in the city he would call home throughout his life. He graduated from Brooklyn College (with honors) and emerged as a pioneering artist in the vibrant New York City mural scene of the 1970s, serving as a leader in Cityarts Workshop and contributing to a movement that helped shape the city’s cultural identity.

While studying, Herb also dedicated himself to mentoring young people, serving as Assistant Scoutmaster for Troop 213 and Scoutmaster for Troop 280 at DeWitt Church, where his patience and natural ability to connect with others made a meaningful difference in many lives.

In the early 1980s, Herb began a new chapter. As he stepped away from painting, he transitioned into fine carpentry, bringing craftsmanship and care to homes throughout New York City for many years. At the same time, he discovered a new artistic passion—ballroom dancing—which would remain a lifelong source of joy, creativity, and connection.

Also in 1983, he entered recovery and embarked on a remarkable 43-year journey of sobriety. As a devoted and deeply respected member of the New York City recovery community, he sponsored and mentored countless individuals, helping many achieve sobriety, build families, and lead purposeful, fulfilling lives. His compassion, humility, and unwavering commitment to others left a lasting impact.

In the years that followed, Herb became a beloved figure in the New York City ballroom dance community, where he taught, mentored, and formed deep friendships, continuing his lifelong pattern of creativity, connection, and generosity.

Herb was predeceased by his parents and his siblings Miriam Reed, Maritsa Harrison, and Orlando Alicea. He is survived by his brother, Edwin Morales; his nieces, Alexandra (“Ali”) Rhodd and Leilani Alicea; his nephews, William (“Will”) Warren Reed and James (“Jimmy”) Harrison; and a wide circle of close friends in both the New York City dance and recovery communities.

A memorial service will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to addiction recovery organizations or, for members, to the New York Inter-Group of Alcoholics Anonymous.

He will be remembered for his creativity, generosity, and the countless lives he helped transform.

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