Juan Carlos Rivera

Juan Carlos Rivera was born on April 6, 1983 to his parents, Sofia and Julio Rivera. He was embraced into a large and happy Dominican family in Miami and beyond. As a child, Juan was an explorer and an athlete. He was a stand-out football player and developed interests in art, music, cinematography, and photography that would last a lifetime. He got his first break in high school with legendary filmmaker Nick Quested, working on commercials and music videos for notable artists like Nas, Diddy, Nicki Minaj, Drake, TI, Rick Ross, Lil Wayne, Chris Brown and DJ Khalid—among many others. Despite opportunities to continue playing football in college, Juan followed his passion for photography and cinematography, and went to film school. While in film school he continued to work with some of the most renowned music video directors including Hype Williams, Benny Boom, Lil X, Joseph Khan and Chris Robinson.

In 2006, a former high-school teammate, Barrington Irving, asked him to spend a year documenting an attempt to set a world record as the youngest person to fly around the world solo. The two dedicated themselves to the project, developing a business plan and enlisting Microsoft, Alaska Airlines, IBM, and others to sponsor the trip. And in doing so, they were supporting the creation of a non-profit organization that would help introduce a younger demographic to the world of aviation. In an incredible feat, Irving did break the world record in 2008, with Juan behind the lens every step of the way. The non-profit, Experience Aviation, then evolved to work with schools across the US to develop STEM curricula rooted in innovation and emerging technologies.

In 2011, Juan moved to New York City to embark on a new career venture in the fashion industry. He continued to work with Experience Aviation as he ventured into the world of fashion. Over the next 5 years, Juan worked with fashion stylists Groovey Lew and Mike B, styling A-list celebrities in the music industry. Notably, in 2015, Juan elevated his skillset and went on the road for a year-long stint as the creative director and set designer for Lauryn Hill's Acoustic tour.

Later, Juan’s curiosity led him to the world of cryptocurrencies. Within that world, he developed NFTs, augmented reality and virtual reality experiences and invested in crypto projects for multiple industries (including entertainment, real estate, education, beauty, and automotive). A life-long lover of art, he started curating Art Basel events that featured the intersection of art and technology. In 2016, Juan met the founder of Mille Fiori at an event. That would lead him to opportunities to work as a producer and design lead for floral installments all over the world, curating a series of innovative art experiences in London, Korea, Japan, Brussels. Together, they designed an anniversary installment for Veuve Clicquot Champagne in the World Trade Center Mall and went on to produce events for the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic in NYC, LA, and Miami for the next three years.

In 2018 Juan was hired as a junior partner at a venture capital firm, NVO Capital, to help identify top silicon valley start-ups. He also founded Full Spectrum International LLC, a technology firm that specialized in developing AR/VR and blockchain technologies. By 2021, he was hired as the decor designer for Orbital Assembly — the first hotel to be built in Space by 2027 — and to develop a blockchain-based Metaverse game. In May 2022, Juan made a breakthrough on the metaverse project, with plans to go from beta to production mode with support for a full product launch. To celebrate and clear his mind, he planned a trip to a place he loved dearly—Thailand—to rest and recharge. While there, Juan got sick. Sadly, after a few days of attempting to nurse his illness, he developed a lung infection and passed away in his sleep.

Although he traveled the world and held many positions in which he excelled, the role that was most important to him was the role that he played in his family. He loved his family deeply, generously, and unconditionally. He was a role model and “the cool dude” to his two nephews. He taught them the importance of being true to yourself and how to be educational explorers.

Juan leaves behind his mother Sofia Rivera, his father Julio Rivera, his brother Carlos Rivera, and his two nephews, Anthony and Alexander Rivera. Juan's beautiful smile and charming demeanor affected many. His legacy will undoubtedly carry on through his friends and family, with the joy, determination, and passion for a better world he was known for. He will be so dearly missed and remembered always. This is not a goodbye, it is a see you later, because you will always live with us. May you rest in peace.

“Thank you Juan, for giving me the opportunity to be your mother, for me, like I say all the time, you and Carlos are my eyes, now I only have one. I know Mary only had her son for 33 years and I’m grateful that God blessed me to have you for 39. You have always been in my heart, and there you will remain always. God Bless you forever. “

Love Always,

Sofia Rivera

“Thank God for the opportunity to be your Father, I was always so proud to have a son like you.”

Love Always,

Julio Rivera

A visitation for Juan will be held Thursday, June 16, 2022 from 7:00 PM to 11:45 PM at Caballero Rivero Hialeah, 373 W 9 Street, Hialeah, FL 33010. A funeral service will occur Friday, June 17, 2022 from 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM, 373 W 9 Street, Hialeah, FL 33010. A committal service will occur Friday, June 17, 2022 from 2:00 PM to 2:30 PM at Caballero Rivero Dade North, 1301 NW Opa Locka Blvd, Miami, FL 33167.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.riverofuneralhomehialeah.com for the Rivera family.

To our family and friends,

We would like to share our sincere gratitude for all of the support we have received from family and friends during this difficult time. All the love, visits, prayers, flowers, etc we received, has helped our family significantly, and highlighted how truly special Juan was in all our lives. We are so appreciative of all of the guests that came from all over, to join us as we laid Juan to rest. Thank you for your kind expressions of sympathy and for sharing your fond memories and photos in the celebration of Juan's life. We look forward to staying connected and building a friendship. Your support is deeply appreciated and will forever be remembered by the Rivera family.

-Julio, Sofia & Carlos