Thomas Rivera

Thomas "Tommy" Rivera was born on Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn, New York. He was the son of Luisa Duaway and Sergio Rivera, brother of Sergio Rivera II, Albert Rivera, Irma Rivera and Charles Rivera. He was a graduate of the local PS 29s with his longtime friends Alex, Joe, Ray, Dorothy, Inez. The list goes on. Music was always in his heart. He started with doowop professionally at the young age of 14! He was part of the original Temptations and performed on the Ed Sullivan Show. Then in the 60s, he fought in Korea as a sharpshooter and marksman. After an injury led him back home, he found more time to dedicate to his passion for music. He then went on to teach at the Julliard School in NYC.

In the last 60s and 70s, he was a skilled musician with an ear for arrangements and a great set of vocals. He arranged, played and sang with the likes of Tony Pabon and Ismael Rivera but remained steady with the group, La Protesta. These musicians were a diverse group of Latinos from a 6ft 3" tall Puerto Rican albino, The Albino Divino to a big afro wearing, stylish dark skin Puerto Rican bass player (Thomas). Together through their love of music, they were fearless in tackling current social issues. Thomas has been featured on over 11 albums, his experiences include traveling to the mountain tops of Guatemala to play, gracing the stage of Carnegie Hall and even recording a Schaefer beer commercial.

During the 1970s, after welcoming his son Russell and later his daughter Luisa in New York City, he set aside his guitar and professional music career. For the following 27 years, he became one of Puerto Rico's most beloved mailmen. Countless awards for civil service, leadership and other recognition filled his shelves. He aspired to relocate from Coney Island to Luquillo Beach from the moment he first visited Puerto Rico's shores at the age of 14. His brothers referred to him as a soul brother, since he moved to PR and spent so much time in the sun, who was also a salsero.

Many described him as a good man, always helping where he can. A smart man, completely out of debt - no mortgage, car note, no debt at all…as a matter of fact, many would have wanted his vacation schedule. He often had epic adventures lasting days with his brothers, who visited while playing on softball teams. Jumping from cruise ship to cruise ship was a way of life with over 10 cruises under his belt with his wife of over 40 years, Aida. Thomas, dedicated to raising his two younger children, Aidita and Tomasito, established his residence in the rainforest of Puerto Rico, fulfilling his vision of creating his dream home. He laid his own floors himself. Retiring at a young age allowed him the opportunity to enjoy life. He never missed an opportunity to visit NY to see his grandkids Meilani, Bryanna and Olivia Storm. Thomas was always tapping his foot to a beat, making sure you were singing on key or shouting “that’s me” whenever he would hear his own music. As a talented performer, he inspired countless individuals to pursue music and take to the stage to dance. His charisma lit up every room, and he was always willing to show you how to dance and have a good time.

He is survived by his wife Aida and his children, Russe ll, Luisa and Tomas. The Rivera Family would like to give special thanks to Estella. Estella served as Thomas' caretaker and was like an angel, offering constant support, selfless love, boundless energy, inner beauty, and a generous spirit. Her compassionate care brought happiness to Thomas' final days, transforming her role of caretaker into a true member of the family.