Uncle Jesus was someone who gave off a happy uplifting aura . He Is one of the sweetest men I’ve ever met and would spread his love everywhere he goes . He stayed connected to his roots and spoke primarily in Spanish .He would try and practice with me when I’d see him, just to spend time and teach me more. I love you very much and you have impacted us all by coming into our lives and lifting us up . I know you are resting in a beautiful heaven . 
-Love Angelik .

As a child I remember thinking; Tio is a giant. He was impossibly tall with such a booming voice what else could he possibly be but a giant. Seeing him again years later as an adult I was surprised how much smaller he seemed. It was a bit disappointing to my inner child that I didn’t have a giant for an uncle. Later during that visit I heard him guffaw at some now-forgotten remark. His warm boisterous laughter brought a smile to my lips. Maybe Tio was still a giant after all.

I distinctly remember the pride he had for his garden. The pumpkin patch was particularly impressive. It was a riot of giant leaves chaotically snaking close to the ground, yet green and healthy. Unfortunately, I don’t recall sampling the literal fruits of his labor. I’m sure it was a good harvest. What struck me was how caring for growing things seemed to give him so much joy. 

I’ve never been much of a drinker. Tio knew that but insisted I try his añejo rum. I don’t like hard liquor at all. Rum in particular is like hot garbage burning down my throat. I sipped a bit of the spirit expecting the worst. The first thing I realized was how smooth the liquor was on my palate. The expected burning never occurred, instead a pleasant warmth seemed to flow from my throat down to my belly. It was the best experience I’ve had drinking in my entire life. I’m still not much of a drinker yet thanks to my Tio I discovered an aspect of spirits I never knew existed.

I don’t know where he’s gone. I don't know what happens to us when we shed this mortal coil. What I know is that he lives on in the memory of those who love him. I can’t see him anymore but when I close my eyes I can hear Spanish music playing, indistinct voices teasing each other and the clatter of Dominos shuffling. Suddenly, a domino is slammed on the table, a booming voice gleefully bellows “Capicu!” then Tio Jesus begins laughing heartily, like a giant.

Uncle Jesus 
I will miss you dearly. God must had needed another gentle sweet angel because you  were taken way before your time. 
With a Cuba Libre in my hand I make toast. 
To your beautiful soul. May it rest in peace and may your infectious smile bring joy to everyone in Heaven. Send my love to Abuelita, Abuelito & Grandma ChaCha.
We will see you all again soon. 
Love You Always
Your Niece and God Daughter
Evelyn  :- )

Tio ,
   I'm going to miss you so much , at just the thought of you the first thing that always comes to mind is your amazing warm smile , you were always larger than life to me , hard to believe you're gone .
   I will miss the best cuba libres west of Puerto Rico and discussing Mets and Dodgers baseball ,  I hope that you have peace and I know we will see each other again 
 Qué Dios te bendiga y te cuide
Love you Tio 

Hermano,
                     I'am really  going to miss you. My heart is heavy and sad. I know god must have his reason,I don't  question the reason,but we had so much living to do.Ah yes the domino games we both love so much. The cuba libre with just a tiny shot of rum.I'll forever will miss your wonderful smile and gestures of kindness.Please Lord give this man a place of honor,he deserves it.Till we meet again,lots of love to take with you.
                                                                                                           Tony

Well Tio Jesus this is a moment I didn't expect to happened. The greedy person in me would want you to be with us for another 90 years, but I believe GOD must have had bigger plans for you in his kingdom. I am thankful to him for allowing us to be able to have the time we had with you. As a young child I always looked at you as this Gentle Giant with the beautiful smile and the huge heart . I vividly remember when I used to put my hand in your hand and it basically would just disappear. You always made me feel safe. I will always treasure the memories I have of you and specially with much debate and contemplation our trip to the Dominican Republic last November. Oh what fun we had, to me it was all about you and Titi to enjoy and boy did we ever. Little did I know, that would be our last memory together and I am so glad we got that time. I will never forget you as long as I live and may you rest in peace in the kingdom of heaven where you deserved to be. I will not say goodbye because I know I will see you again one day, but instead I hold my shot of Bacardi raised high because we all know we need our medicina and toast to you...... Salud! To my Gentle Giant until we meet again... I love you with all my heart and soul. Your memory will live in my heart forever. 

Your nephew,

Piri

Jesus,mi querido compadre,to soon you have been taken from us.
We will miss your wonderful smile,your sincere thoughtfulness in caring for all. We share many happy memories of our times playing dominos,you always knew what your opponent always had,we will always remember all the Chivas you gave us.
That daily rum and coke that was always a staple. 
How can we ever watch a baseball game without thinking of you. Who is going to make the best pudin ever.
Our Lord took you way to soon,he knew that our hearts would be broken because we loved you so much. He promises that we will met again. Till we met again,you will always be in our hearts.
Hasta luego mi querido amigo y compadre Jesus..



Mi Primo...What a sweet spirit Primo!RIP
God saw he was getting tired, And a cure was not to be,
So he put his arms around him, And whispered "Come with me",
With tearful eyes we watched him suffer, And saw him fade away,
Although we love him dearly, We could not make him stay,
A golden heart stopped beating, Hard working hands to rest,
God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the best,
Although his heart stopped beating, His love will always remain,
His absence puts upon our hearts, A very heavy strain,
For now he is in a place of everlasting rest,We just have to understand that God, He only takes the best.


To Our Dearest Uncle Jesus & Family,
We are so blessed to have so many good memories of us sharing so many aspects of our lives, loving, laughing, traveling and creating so many stories to remember each other by.  Uncle Jesus has always been the brightest smile and the greatest spirit in the room, from his funny sense of humor to his first love  Titi Jenny and his second love for his infamous medicina. There is never a time where we Think of anything other than pride and love at the mere mention of your name.  So much pain is in our hearts & souls as your home going is still so fresh and leaves us with deep sorrow, but it is not for us to question when God calls an Angel home, as you deserve to fly, to be without pain, and spread your smiles and love with the heavens as you've done so well with all of us here on earth. You will be forever missed as you are Irreplaceable in our minds, hearts and souls. Love You Uncle Jesus 





My heart and prayers are with you. Words never truly match the feelings at times like this. Memories flood my mind, as I remember times shared.  I so miss those days, the wonderful way I was accepted by the family of my beloved, your brother Manny. I can never thank you enough.  I have a hard time hearing, but I will give you a call. Love you, Jenny & family. My condolences with you.
 Sandi Miranda.   

OBITUARY

Jesus Rivera

October 15, 1930 – August 25, 2020

Draper Mortuary

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