Joe Albert Rivera

Joe was born on January 21, 1950, in The Bronx, New York, to Oscar and Candy Rivera. He spent part of his childhood in Puerto Rico at an Academy and attended Catholic School in New York City. He loved handball, racquetball, bowling, dominoes, cards, magic tricks, and reading. His laughter was contagious, and his stories brought joy to everyone around him.

On August 11, 1976, Joe married the love of his life, Nancy Pagan Rivera, at Immaculate Conception Church in The Bronx, New York when he was 26 years old. Their marriage was beautiful and built on love, laughter, and devotion. It was during their honeymoon that Joe fell in love with Florida, a place that would later become home and hold many cherished memories.

Joe had a passion for learning, valued growth, and wisdom. He completed two years of community college at Queens College and received his Bachelor’s Degree at City College of New York, pursuing a path toward becoming an amazing math and English teacher.

Throughout his life, Joe worked as a teacher, manager at McDonald’s and bought his own tractor trailer so he could travel the US with his wife and newborn son, Joey. When he moved to Orlando he decided to open his own pest control company which became his new passion in life. His business was never just work to him. Over 40 years, he built lifelong friendships and cared deeply for everyone he serviced.

Joe lived in New York, Pennsylvania, and Florida. Joe and his wife traveled the world together on many cruises enjoying countless adventures. They loved theme parks and would visit Disney almost every weekend together.

He had an incredible ability to light up any room with his presence. Joe was known for his radiating smile, warmth, kindness and gentle presence. He had a rare ability to make people feel welcome, valued, and at ease.

Above all, Joe was a devoted husband, loving father and proud grandfather. He is survived by his beloved wife, Nancy Rivera; his children, Jeanna Rivera and her husband Cheikh Sidi El Moctar, and Jessica Rivera-Brumfield and husband Bobby Brumfield; and his cherished grandson, Logan Anthony Brumfield, who brought him tremendous joy.

Joe is also survived by his wonderful nieces and nephews Evelyn and Jim Burdick and family, and Beatrice and John Morrison and family; and many extended family members and friends who will forever carry his memory in their hearts. He was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Candy Rivera, his brother, Ralph Rivera, and his only son, Joey Rivera.

Joe Albert Rivera was an extraordinary man who loved God and whose love, laughter, and light will never fade. His legacy lives on through the family he adored and the countless lives he touched.

A visitation will be held on January 17, 2026, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm at Baldwin Fairchild at Chapel Hill, located at 2420 Harrell Road, Orlando, FL 32817.

The funeral service will follow on the same day, January 17, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm at the same venue.

A committal service will take place on January 17, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 1:30 pm at SE Cemeteries of Florida DBA Chapel Hill Cemetery, located at 2400 Harrell Rd, Orlando, FL 32817.