As a boy, Julio could not have imagined that the dirt road outside his family's Lakehurst chicken farm would lead him to one of the most coveted position in our country: Judge of the 3rd United States Circuit Court of Appeals, the second highest court of the judiciary, one step from the Supreme Court.

Fuentes was born in Puerto Rico. He moved as a small child to New York City with his mother and brother and shortly thereafter to a five bedroom farm in Lakehurst sharing the house with cousins. At Toms River High School he excelled as a student and athlete. It was in wrestling where he learned the importance of establishing goals and then working conscientiously to accomplish them. With hard work, commitment, and athletic skill, he earned a District and Regional Championships in 1964. He had a career record of 32-3 and was undefeated his senior year until the state finals, where he placed second in the tournament.

Fuentes attended Southern Illinois University where he earned his BA. In 1975 he received his J. D. from the State University of New York and was admitted to the New Jersey bar the same year. He continued his formal education earning Masters Degrees at both New York University and Rutgers University. Within two years he opened his own law firm: Fuentes, Plant, and Velazquez in Newark.

With his appointment by President Clinton and confirmation by the United States Senate, Fuentes became the first Hispanic appointed to the United States Court of Appeals in Philadelphia. As one of a dozen active judges on the 3rd Circuit, he hears appeals on every possible criminal and civil issue arising from the District Courts in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and the Virgin Islands. Superior Court Judge Donald Volkert, Jr., who worked with him for eight years, describes Fuentes as extraordinary. "He is one of the most honorable and decent persons I have ever met in my life."

Fuentes credits his mother, Trinidad Mercado, for her unselfish efforts in providing the foundation, example, and love that enabled him to fulfill the American dream. To provide for her two sons she worked sixteen hours a day, an eight hour shift as a practical nurse in a hospital and then eight hours a day of private duty in the community. His respect for her courage, strength, and sacrifice knows no bounds and tells us much about the Judge himself. Another strong force in the Judge's life is his family: his lovely wife, Olma, and their three wonderful daughters: Lily, Karina, and Olma who provided love and support to enrich his life and enable him to succeed so dramatically.