Paul Riviera, 88, of Rochester Hills, MI, entered eternal life August 13, 2017. Loving husband of Lina Riviera for 63 years; dear father of Monica (Gus) Reis, Mike (Donna) Riviera, and Frank (Theresa) Riviera; cherished Papa of Gussie (Jessica) Reis, Melissa (Travis) Fahy, Elizabeth (James) Clark, Michael (Emily) Riviera, Hannah (David) Stewart, Paul (Catherine) Riviera, Frankie, Theresa and Miriam Riviera, and Tara (Mark) Moore; caring great-grandfather of Keegan, Maizee, and Brinlee Fahy, Myles and Juliana Reis, Sophia and Caleb Stewart, James and Gunnar Clark, and Madaline and Matthew Moore. Brother of Connie (late Frank) Azzopardi and Doris (late Ernie) Riviera. Paul was predeceased by his parents Michael and Mary Riviera, brothers Charlie and Ernesto, and grandson Adam Riviera.
Paul was born in Sliema, Malta on January 25, 1929. He grew up during the harsh times of WWII and lost his father in the infamous air-raids of April 1942. He traveled to America in 1950 and was soon drafted into the US Army and served in Korea. He married his childhood sweetheart (started dating at 16), Lina Galea on February 6, 1954 in Malta and settled in Detroit. He was an extraordinary craftsman, and draftsman and took pride in his unique and artistic draftsman fonts. His work was an art. Paul retired from a long career at General Motors in 1992. Paul and Lina raised their family in Detroit, Sterling Heights and Rochester Hills. He passionately served as a frequent layman volunteer at St. Irenaeus and loved to attend daily mass.
The family will welcome friends for a visitation on Friday August 18th , 2017 from 3-8pm with rosary at 6 p.m. and a Memorial Service celebrating Paul's life at 7 p.m. at Pixley Funeral Home, 322 West University Drive in downtown Rochester. A funeral mass will be held on Saturday August 19th, 2017 at 10 a.m. with instate from 9:30-10 a.m. at St. Irenaeus Catholic Church, 771 Old Perch Rd, Rochester Hills, MI 48309. Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery in Clinton Township. Memorial contributions may be made to one of Paul and Lina's favorite charities...St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, www.stjude.org, 800-822-6344.
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