Jose was born January 15, 1943 in Aibonito, Puerto Rico to Emeterio and Emilia Rivera. Jose or Joe as he went by, was a man who always lent a helping hand to others. He was an amazing family man, a loving father and grandfather. A hard-working man, Joe built a wonderful life with his wife Myrna, whom he was married to for over 52 years. They married in Queens, New York on November 26, 1966 and later moved to Florida where their family and friends currently reside. They enjoyed traveling the world together.
Joe served in the United States Navy aboard the USS Wasp, enlisting straight out of high school. He graduated from New York Vocational High. Throughout his career of over 37 years, Joe worked for both Pan-Am and Delta Airlines as an aircraft mechanic.
Jose is survived by his wife Myrna and his two sons; Ricardo Antonio Rivera along with his wife Sidrid, and Daniel Robert Rivera along with his wife Helen and their children Aubree Anne and Maxum Robert, and his niece Amy, and nephew Alexander. Jose is preceded in death by his parents, and his sister Aida.
In his life Joe enjoyed hunting, fishing, traveling, playing poker, and tinkering with things. He was a handy man like no other. His family and friends will always remember him as a helpful, compassionate, humorous, boisterous, well-traveled, humble, and loving man.
A funeral is scheduled for Saturday, July 20, 2019 at Forest Lawn Funeral Home with a reception to follow at the home of Ricky and Sidrid Rivera. Visitation will begin at 12:00 pm, the funeral service at 2:00 pm, followed by a committal service.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.forestlawnsouth.com for the Rivera family.