Carlos was born to parents, Carlos Rivera and Elda Martinez, on October 12, 1966 in Honduras. Carlos moved with his family from Honduras to the United States when he was eighteen years of age. At that time, they took residence in New York. Carlos lived in many places but eventually decided to leave the urban lifestyle and settled in Nashville, Tennessee for a more relaxed way of life.
By profession, Carlos was a chef. He was passionate about food and had great creativity. While enjoying a meal at a restaurant, when presented with an opportunity to be of help, Carlos was always willing to offer suggestions how to prepare a meal even better.
Carlos truly lived every day to its fullest. His charisma made him bigger than life and his humor made those around him laugh. He was the kind of man everyone wanted to be around. He was a handyman, enjoyed dancing, drinking, watching soccer and football, but was a huge fan of the New York Giants. He also enjoyed the simplicity of taking pizza to the lake, laying a blanket and spending time with his family. Above all these characteristics, Carlos will be remembered as a caring, loving husband and father. He will be forever missed by his family and friends.
Carlos is preceded in death by his father, Carlos Renan Rivera; a sister, Estela Rivera; nephew, Joseph; and an uncle, David.
Carlos is survived by his beloved mother, Elda Cruz; step-father, Francisco Cruz; his loving wife of eighteen years, Cintia Rivera; his children Samantha, Carlos, Amanda, Melissa, Maverick, GianCarlos, and Karlen Rivera; two sisters Virginia and Junny; three brothers Frank, Geo, Robert; and many nieces and nephews.
There will be a Celebration of Life for Carlos on Saturday, June 12, 2021 in the Tulip Grove Room at Hermitage Funeral Home at 3:00 pm. Just prior to the Celebration of Life will be a Gathering of Family & Friends, also in the Tulip Grove Room, from noon to 3:00 pm. If you are unable to attend the Celebration of Life in person, you may view the service via Facebook. The Celebration of Life will live-stream on the Hermitage Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens page and will go “live” about two minutes before the service begins. If unable to view at that time, you may view the service at your convenience on our Facebook page.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the Rivera family by clicking “Share a Memory” at the bottom of this page.