Rolando Buendia Rivera Jr.

Mr. Rolando Buendia Rivera Jr., age 56, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, in Norfolk, Virginia. He was born September 19, 1968, in Manila, Philippines, and was the beloved son of Alicia Buendia Rivera and the late Rolando Beltran Rivera Sr.

Rolando is survived and forever cherished by his mother, Alicia Buendia Rivera; sister, Pamela Maria Donahue; sister, Patricia Rivera Bates; and brother-in-law, Brent Lee Bates. He was the loving uncle to nephew, Zachary Ryan Donahue, and niece, Sara Alicia Bates. Rolando also leaves behind a host of aunties, uncles, and cousins who loved and will miss him dearly.

Rolando graduated from Norfolk Catholic High School. He enjoyed fishing, crabbing, watching sports, and playing cards. He loved spending time with family and friends, especially with his nephew and niece. Rolando was kind, thoughtful, and easy-going. May his memory be a blessing, and may we carry forth his legacy of compassion in all that we do.

The family is inviting friends to a Wake on Friday, July 18, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Woodlawn Funeral Home, 6329 E. East Virginia Beach Blvd., Norfolk, Virginia. A liturgy outside of Mass will take place at the funeral home at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 19, 2025, followed by interment at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens. The family will be welcoming guests back to the funeral home’s Reception Center following committal for continued fellowship.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Sentara Brock Cancer Center, 6252 E. East Virginia Beach Blvd. Norfolk, Virginia. A heartfelt thank you to the doctors, nurses, and clinical staff at Sentara Brock Cancer Center who did everything they could for Rolando.