Florentino Rivera-Caraballo

Florentino Rivera-Caraballo, 85, of East Hartford, beloved husband for 64 years of Carmen (DeLeon) Rivera, passed away peacefully with his loving family by his side on December 25, 2025. Born in Cidra, Puerto Rico on September 27, 1940, he was the son of the late Valentin Rivera and Josefa Caraballo. Florentino was the owner of Rivera Jewelers in Hartford and Meriden CT for over 20 years. He enjoyed playing guitar and singing in his church choir. He was a member of the music group Amor y Cultura and enjoyed singing and entertaining friends and family with traditional music from his beloved island of Puerto Rico. He loved spending time with his family especially his adored grandchildren who loved him dearly.

In addition to his loving wife Carmen, Florentino will be forever missed by his three children, Alfred Rivera of Norwich, Danixa Rivera of Atlanta, GA and Annette Maldonado and husband Hector of Newington; six adored grandchildren, Jazmine, Matthew, Joseph, Alfred, Jr. “AJ”, Christian and Eliana and five cherished great-grandchildren, Jennavize, Leo, Jameson, Lucas and Logan. He is also survived by his siblings, Ana Luisa Rivera, Virgenmina Rivera, Alberto Rivera and Gilberto Rivera and Josefina Cardona, as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family members. He was predeceased by two brothers, Vidal and Aureo Rivera. Special thanks to his home aide Rosa Rojas who cared for him with unmatched love and kindness.

Calling hours will be held Tuesday, December 30th from 11:00-12:00 p.m. at D’Esopo Funeral Chapel, 277 Folly Brook Boulevard, Wethersfield, followed by a religious service at 12:00 p.m. To share a memory of Florentino with his family, please visit www.desopofuneralchapel.com