Benjamin S Rivera

Marine Benjamin S. Rivera, son to the late Benjamin and Connie Rivera, was born in Tucson, Arizona on February 12. 1949. Ben graduated with the class of 1967 at Tucson High School, attended two years at Pima Community College. In 1967 Ben joined the U.S. Marine Corps. From 1968—1969 Ben was a Scout Sniper in Viet Nam. After completing his military service he came home and did some cross country traveling with his buddies. On February 13, 1972 he met and later married Virginia Salgado in Tucson, AZ on August 25, 1972. They were blessed with two children their daughter Teresa and their son Benjamin III.

Ben worked as a roofer for most of his life, he retired from DMAFB on 2012. He was a hard working man who lived his life to the fullest with no regrets. He always said he was on bowered time cause he had already been to hell (Viet Nam), and God gave him a free pass. He was the kind of guy that made you laugh even if you were having a bad day. He had that laugh that came from deep inside of him, a laugh that can never be duplicated. He loved everybody and everybody loved him, he always made you feel like you had been friends for ever and maybe you had just met him an hour ago. Heaven is now a better place full with his laughter.

Ben was an active member of Marine Corps League Tucson Detachment 007, he held many positions on the Board of Directors, from Commandant to Sgt At Arms. He was active with the Detachment Color Guard. Ben enjoyed being a Marine, spending time with his family and friends, dancing, his “Lady On The Moon”, and watching his favorite sport teams San Francisco Giants and the Chicago Bears.

Ben leaves to cherish his memories his wife Virginia Rivera, his son Benjamin, III, his grandchildren Michael, April, Nicholas, Joseph and Benjamin, and his precious great-granddaughter Teresita, his son-in-law Mike Silva. He also leaves his three sisters, Pinky Roberts, Betty De La Garza, and Emily Alvarez, two brothers Richard Rivera and Michael Rivera and a host of relatives and friends.

Marine Benjamin S. Rivera was called for active duty on September 18, 2014 to guard the gates of Heaven. My love I want to Thank you for coming into my life and giving me joy, thank you for loving me and receiving my love in return. Thank you for the memories I will cherish forever. But most of all, thank you for showing me that there will come a time when I can eventually let you go. ”

Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 25, 2014 from 4:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. at Funeraria Del Angel Southlawn, 5401 South Park Avenue, with a Rosary recited at 7:00 p.m. Mass will be offered Friday, September 26, 2014 at 9:00 a.m. at Saint Augustine Cathedral, 192 S. Stone Avenue. Interment will follow at Southlawn Cemetery.