Nicholas Rivera Jr.

Mr. Nicholas “Nicky” Rivera Jr., son of the late Nicolas Rivera and Maria Rivera Negrón was born on April 9th, 1956, in Corozal, Puerto Rico. In 1975, he graduated from East High School in Youngstown, Ohio. At the age of 20, Nicholas enlisted into the United States Air Force where he served proudly for 23 years, retiring as a Master Sergeant. He was united in holy matrimony to his high school sweetheart, Maria Louisa Andujar in May of 1976. This union was blessed with three children and 46 years of marriage.

Nicky had a generous spirit and outgoing personality; he was loved by many. He was a jack of all trades and used his many skills to help those around him. Whether it was a home project or car repair, his plethora of knowledge was shared with family, friends, and strangers. His friendliness, genuine caring and eagerness to help others made him a recognizable icon. It did not matter where we went, it seemed someone knew him, and they were impressed with their personal interaction with him. He enjoyed wood working, fishing, camping, boating, biking, and motorcycle riding but above all he cherished teaching those around him how to also partake and enjoy these things. He was a major influence on many and was known as the neighborhood dad to his children’s friends and as Papa to his grandchildren’s friends. His beautiful life will always be cherished, and his influence will forever remain in the lives of all who knew him.

He is survived by his wife, Maria Louisa Rivera and two children, Jason Rivera, and Samantha Martinez. May his son, the late Samuel Thomas Rivera, rest in peace. Nicky also leaves behind daughters-in-law, Melody Rivera and Elena Rivera, and son-in-law Angel Luis Martinez Jr.; nine grandchildren, Idalis Marie Martinez, Alyssa Marie Rivera, Noelle Alexis Rivera, Naudia Lee Martinez, Angel Luis Martinez III, Mariah Kay Rivera, Ethan Joel Rivera, Isabella Lilly Martinez, Joseph Paul Rivera; a great grandson, Blake Josephine Rivera; two step-grandsons, Luis Enrique Cintron (aka Ricky) and Juan Antonio Batista Fabiano; eight siblings, Helen Rodriguez, John Rivera, Ralph Rivera, Benjamin Rivera, Patricia Donato, Michael Rivera, Margie Serrano, and Irma Rivera.