Joann Rivera-Calderin

JoAnn Rivera Calderin was born in Spanish Harlem in New York City on January 7, 1957. She passed away in Port Saint Lucie, Florida on June 24, 2026, from cholangiocarcinoma, a rare and extremely aggressive form of cancer. She fought her disease bravely and relentlessly.

JoAnn is predeceased by her parents Israel and Iris Rivera, her in-laws Antonio and Carmen Calderin, and a younger sister, Lorraine. JoAnn is survived by her children Juliana and Daniel, sisters Karen and Lori, two grandchildren, and her loyal and loving husband, Robert, married 42 years.

She worked for Gate 1 Travel as a reservationist during her time in Florida. JoAnn and Robert were avid travelers and joyful award-winning mambo dancers. She was an honors student earning her bachelor’s and master’s degrees while in her 50s from the University of Phoenix and she was a highly respected health and hospital administrator in New York State.

Joey, as she was tenderly known to her husband and close friends, was a stellar individual. She was forgiving, humble, tolerant, patient, always non-judgmental, and bestowed everyone with the benefit of doubt. Joey was loved by all who knew her, always upbeat, vivacious, and never had anything negative to say about anyone. Joey was a saintly, honorable person and a devout Christian.

There is a saying that there is no remedy for love but to love more. Joey was a shining exemplar that love conquers all. She always gave more than she received and she will be sorely missed by her family and most especially her loving husband.

Her husband requests that flowers not be sent. Rather please find a way to donate to the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation in her memory to assist their continued research to help find a cure for the dreaded incurable disease that tragically took Joey’s life.

A service will be planned in her memory in January 2027 in the home Joey nurtured with her husband to celebrate her well lived life and commemorate what would have been her 70th birthday. Details will follow to select friends and family members in the coming months.

“Rest in peace, my puppy, and remember you promised to save a spot for me in heaven. I will never forget that we have been a duo from our first kiss to your last breath. Forever yours.”