Ana Rivas

Ana is survived by her three daughters, Gricelle Feliciano, Elva Feliciano, and Linda Masseria, who she was immensely proud of as well as by her sons-in-law Joseph Bona, John Napolitano, and Michael Masseria. She is also survived by her sisters, Laura Rivas, Carmen Benitez, Lucy Rivas, her brother Juan Rivas, and her grandchildren, Leana Rivera, Robert Napolitano, Daniel Rivera, and Justin Rivera who fondly referred to her as “abuely” (short for abuela). Ana’s husband, Wilfredo Rodriguez, and brother, Luis Rivas, had predeceased her. Her family will miss her greatly but will help her spirit live on.

Ana was the daughter of Adrian Rivas Morales and Gregoria Figueroa Rivera and was one of six children. As a teenager she moved to New York City and eventually made her way to Staten Island, where she raised three girls as a single parent. In the last few years, she resided in New Jersey with her eldest daughter, Gricelle, who devoted herself to taking care of Ana as her illness progressed.

In her early years, Ana was a hairstylist and attended SI Community College before embarking on a career teaching cosmetology at Wilfred Academy in Brooklyn, NY. She retired to care for her first grandchild, Leana, and subsequently her three other grandchildren. She had a special bond with her grandchildren and played an integral part in their upbringing.

Ana was a devout Catholic and Charismatic who served as a Eucharistic minister at The Parish of St. Clement and St. Michael’s in Mariners Harbor, Staten Island. She was a true leader in her catholic community organizing the sacraments program, teaching Bible Studies and becoming a Sponsor and Godmother to numerous new parishioners. Apart from religious activities she was a lover of music, the arts and writing poetry. Often you would see her singing and dancing with her children and grandchildren and watching her favorite “novelas”. Ana was a strong and caring mother, a doting grandmother, and a generous sister and friend. She was a bright light to everyone she met.

As we say our final goodbyes, let us remember Ana for the love she gave, the joy she shared, and the indelible mark she left on the hearts of all who were touched by her presence. May she find eternal peace reunited with her loved ones who have gone before her.

Ana's viewing will be held at Harmon Funeral Home at 571 Forest Avenue, Staten Island on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, with visitations from 2pm to 4pm and again from 7pm to 9pm. The funeral will be held at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel - St Benedicta - St Mary of the Assumption at 1265 Castleton Avenue, Staten Island on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at 10am.

The family would prefer white flowers if sent or a donation to the Alzheimer's Association, a cause that the family supports strongly, at this link:

http://act.alz.org/goto/TeamAbuela1