Benjamin L. Rivera

As a kid JJ was a fearless, fun-loving, God-fearing boy always full of giggles. He was well known for his love of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Power Rangers, and Dragon Ball Z. At a young age JJ always showed and very often shared his passion for music and dance. When JJ was in the fifth grade he surprised his parents and invited them to a talent show where he and a friend performed a break dancing routine which included hip hop moves, popping, locking, flares, and head spins. For JJ’s 10th birthday he received turntables and DJ equipment from his parents. That same year JJ was often being driven around by his sister to DJ his friends birthday parties and was often requested by classmates to DJ their parties as well. JJ thoroughly enjoyed sharing music with others.

In high school JJ grew to be a very simple, kind hearted, and a very humble man. JJ had a deep compassion towards animals and because of this he decided to be a vegetarian. JJ was also very technologically savvy, when his parents bought him his very own desktop computer he requested they return it and asked if he may build his own. His parents supported him and he built his very own gaming computer at the age of 14. Still with a passion for music and dance JJ even took a job working part time twirling those huge arrows on the corner of streets to lead people towards model homes. He always expressed that he really enjoyed what he did. He would share that he would actually get compliments and was well liked at work for his enthusiasm and his dance moves with the arrow. In high school he also helped his dad build an additional room in his grandmothers home, but not just any room, a sound proof room, in which JJ could work on his DJing skills, or play his drums, and guitar as loud as he'd like all day long. At the age of 17 JJ had the opportunity to go to Japan with some of his close friends, for 1 month JJ ate, slept and breathed in the Japanese culture. Since then his love for Japan was forever in his heart.

In college JJ continued with his passion for music by taking classes in guitar. He also showed interest in art classes and Japanese language classes. JJ enjoyed photography and was always his sister’s personal photographer. He also had a passion for drawing and has accumulated several sketchbooks filled with his drawings mostly of animals and cartoon characters. JJ was also a very skillful writer. He expressed himself best in letters and would often write letters especially to his mom to be better understood. His letters were always beautifully well written and always from the heart.

In the last year of his life, Benjamin was all about family. He was always with his mom, dad and sister. Believe it or not he was his sister’s fashion consultant. He was his mom’s and sister’s favorite shopping buddy. JJ was always a good listener, great companion, but most of all he was very caring. In 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 the Bible states that “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres.” Benjamin was truly a special man; he was literally word for word the definition of LOVE. And he will always and forever be remembered in this way.