Alexis Varias Rivera

We regret to inform you that Alexis Emeterio Varias Rivera, “Daddy Alex” or “Alex”, passed away Sunday, July 28, 2013 at 6:25 am (pdst) Daddy Alex courageously fought a rare and very serious brain infection (Tuberculous meningoencephalitis) for the last 8 months and spent the last 5 months in a skilled nursing facility here in Sacramento. His sudden affliction was specially challenging as he was very healthy, independent, and has never been hospitalized before the onset of the brain infection. Daddy Alex was surrounded with devoted family and friends every single day during his long ordeal bestowing him with consoling prayers, tender love, and vigilant care akin to the love and care he gave to his mother, his siblings, his wife, his children and his grandchildren.

There will be a public viewing of his remains at Nicoletti, Culjis & Herberger Funeral Home in Sacramento on August 2nd, 2013 (Friday) from 3 pm to 7 pm. His memorial service will begin promptly at 10:30 am on August 3rd, 2013 (Saturday) at Saint Ignatius Loyola Parish.

Public Viewing and Rosary:

August 2, 2013 (Friday)

3 pm to 7 pm

Nicoletti, Culjis & Herberger Funeral Home

5401 Folsom Blvd. Sacramento, CA 95819

(916) 451-7284

www.nicoletticuljisherbergerfunerals.com

Novena at 4:30 pm followed by Rosary at 5:00 pm

Sharing Memories and Storytelling at 5:30 pm

Memorial Service:

August 3, 2013 (Saturday)

Memorial Service at 10:30 am

Saint Ignatius Loyola Parish

3235 Arden Way, Sacramento, CA

(916) 482-9666

Due to the numerous inquiries we received, flowers may be sent to Nicolleti, Culjis and Herberger Funeral Home, 5401 Folsom Blvd. Sacramento, CA 95819 on or before August 2, 2013. Donations may be made to Rosan R. Araza or Marie E. Rivera. We appreciate your generosity and kindness.

We are saddened by his loss but also relieved that his long suffering has ended. We look forward to sharing our fond memories of Alex “Daddy Alex” with you.

His remains will be cremated and a private interment will follow at Calvary Catholic Cemetery & Mausoleum in Sacramento at a date and time to be determined.

With our love and gratitude,

Elgin, Rosan, Aura and Roland

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Alexis Emeterio Varias Rivera was his full name, but most people knew him as Alex or Daddy Alex. His playful manner, jovial smile and accommodating nature made people naturally gravitate to him.

Born in Manila, Philippines on August 8, 1942, Alex was the third of seven children born to Benigno and Aurora Rivera. Alex always told entertaining stories of growing up in large family setting with two older sisters, Naidz and Ruby, and younger siblings, Armand, Arlene, Archie, and Anthony. He was active, a bit mischievous, and remarkably talented as a young boy, endearing himself to everyone especially his youthful companions, acquaintances and friends. He showed great interest in history and social sciences while honing his tennis and basketball skills both in school and in playgrounds scattered throughout Manila. Alex graduated high school from Philippine College of Commerce (PCC) and continued his education in the same college thereafter. Alex was very popular in school as he had the gift of gab and his classic baritone singing voice complimented his easy going demeanor. PCC is a very significant institution to Alex not only because of his academic career, but also because it is where he met the love of his life, Eleanor Abarca. Eleanor (Nory) later became Eleanor Rivera as Alex and Nory were married on April 20, 1963.

Family now became the priority for Alex as he was blessed with three daughters, Elgin, Rosan and Aura in the first three years of his marriage. Alex took his role of a father very seriously as he worked full time at Quezon Institute medical facility while improving his vocal repertoire by crooning his daughters to sleep to the sweet melodies of Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, Jerry Vale and Johnny Mathis to name a few. Not only did he sing to his daughters, he also became their dance partners during family gatherings and parties. Alex had a lot of practice dancing with his sisters before he was married and he carried on dancing the boogie or west coast swing and cha-cha with his wife and daughters. As the head of his own household, he also starts to develop culinary skills showing obvious talent in the kitchen. He starts to take real pride in his home cooked meals as more and more people convey their satisfaction and enjoyment of his versions of the classic Filipino dishes.

Fortune smiled on him again as his son, Roland “Rolex” was born in 1970 which he always described as the best “accident” of his life. Alex, now a seasoned father and provider, didn't waste any time imparting his knowledge, skills, and love to his only son. Roland quickly tried to emulate his father's curiosity in world history, coordinated wardrobe, keeping physically fit, affinity for sports and passion for driving.

Alex took work very seriously. His sense of obligation to his supervisors and colleagues were virtuous. He is one of those people who just worked and does what he's supposed to do. One will be hard pressed to remember a day when he called in sick to work. For those reasons, Alex was able to make true and lasting friendships with both his superiors, colleagues and subordinates. His professional career included being a travel representative for Sharp Travel Agency, a head teller for Sumitomo Bank and after he retired, a part-time demonstrator for Warehouse Demo Services in Costco Sacramento where he worked up until he got sick on November 2012. He was recognized several times as the “top seller” of Costco products because of his effortless charisma and excellent cooking skills. In “semi-retirement,” he found pleasure in traveling, staying active in the church, taking care of family and enjoying being a grandfather.

Although Alex worked to provide for his family, his life's work is really the care he gave to his family. Alex just seemed to be a natural care giver. Throughout his life people remember Alex reminding Nory to take her pills at the appropriate times and frequency, Alex taking his mother to her doctor's appointments, Alex staying at his childrens bedside in the hospital, Alex regularly taking his sister Arlene to the market, or Alex lending a helping hand to his other siblings when they needed him. His early start in life also gave him the advantage of experience and wisdom as friends and family would constantly seek his advice on handling life's complexities. He truly believed that helping is a gift that gives to the giver.

Alex passed away on July 28, 2013 at Asian Communnity Center Skilled Nursing Facility where he spent his last five months. He struggled bravely against a rare form of meningitis (Tuberculous Meningoencephalitis) for eight months. He was surrounded by devoted family and friends every single day during his long ordeal where he, in turn, received the prayers, love and care he so generously gave to his father and mother, his siblings, his wife, his children, and his grandchildren.

Alex gave what most consider is true generosity: the kind where he gave his all, yet he always felt as if it costs him nothing. Everyone whose life he touched will miss Alex.