Salvador A Rivera

Salvador Alzona Rivera, lovingly known to family and friends as "Buddy," passed away on Monday, December 21, 2020 in San Jose, CA. Salvador was born in the Philippines on April 11, 1936 and moved to the Unites States after receiving his degree in medicine from Manila Central University. He married the love of his life, Lilia, on July 16, 1974 and they enjoyed 46 years of marriage together.

Salvador worked as a Respiratory Therapist for thirty years, practicing in Philadelphia, Chicago and finally settling in San Jose. His passion for helping people was matched by his passion for cooking. Anyone who entered the Rivera home never left hungry. Salvador enjoyed sports and loved watching the horse races, basketball and boxing. He was a fan of the James Bond films, so much so his friends and colleagues nicknamed him "007." He was an avid lover of dance, music and was the self-proclaimed number one fan of Elvis Presley. Salvador enjoyed travelling with his wife, especially to the casinos in hopes lady luck was on his side. She always was. Salvador had a wealth of family and friends, who enjoyed his sense of humor, his compassionate spirit and his infectious smile.

Salvador is survived by his wife Lilia, his children Leah, Romano, Lucy, Jimmy, Gina and Ella. He was the grandfather to Caitlin, Samantha, Alexis, Elaina, Chihiro, Rhie, Zea, Tamami and Hikaru. Salvador is preceded in death by his mother Lourdes, his father Alfonso, and siblings Rudy and Evelyn.

Services will be held at 1:30pm on Sunday, 1/03/2021, at Oak Hill Funeral Home & Memorial Park at 300 Curtner Avenue in San Jose, CA 95125. Father Arthur Yabes will be officiating. Visitation will be held from 1:30pm to 2:30pm. Prayer service will follow from 2:30pm to 3:30pm.