Antonio Rivera Medina

Thank you all for coming to celebrate the very special life of my dad Antonio Rivera Medina. I’m sure he is looking down and smiling at this incredible crowd gathered here in his honor. It’s humbling to see so much love around him and makes me realized even more how special he was.

Those that knew him and loved him called him “Toñin”, his fellow parishioners called him “Hermano en Cristo”, my many dear and supportive cousins and extended family called him Tio Toñin. You all know well that he was a very special man, a wonderful inspiring father and a thoughtful and loving husband whose goal in life was to make his family happy. I know that most eulogies start off praising the person that has passed but in this case it is so very well deserved.

I admired my dad for many reasons. Papi was my hero and I made sure he knew it. I purposely took the time when he and I were alone together and I told him. He was a man of integrity, a true patriot; he was incredibly loyal to his country and proud to serve it. As a soldier he took great pride in teaching others the correct military way to do everything. Duty, decency, reliability, honor, dignity, and respect are all qualities that my father not only held in high esteem, but practiced every day during his time on this earth, and he did it with a Boricua twist.

Papi was a brilliant dominoes player, a great dancer who stole the show in my brother’s wedding where the videographer stopped the camera on dad and mom’s dancing moves, forgetting about the new couple. He was a enthusiastic lotto player and occasionally had his wins. He loved the “parrandas” and was well known as the king of “bacalaitos”, his were the best in town and don’t you worry, I inherited both the recipe for the “bacalaitos” and the dominoes table.

Papi was sweet and kind and his generosity was extraordinary. Constantly thinking about other people’s needs, and ready to lend a helping hand wherever needed. He had a heart of gold and knew how to win smiles and make friends.

Papi taught us by example; his profound faith and love for Christ were principals throughout his life and his commitment as a man of God was a great foundation for all of us.

Papi’s legacy is enormous and fantastic, but his never ending grateful attitude in life is perhaps the one lesson we all should learn from him; didn’t matter how painful or sad the circumstances, until the very end of his life he was praising the Lord and giving thanks.

Papi was a great soldier, a loyal friend, a good neighbor, an adorable grandpa, a sweet father in law, a superb dad and an amazing husband.

These last years’ were very difficult for all of us but they do not compare to the love and support, and at times tolerance, that my wonderful sisters Rose Marie and Maryann made to make sure he always felt loved and comfortable. Day after day you spoiled him and you both stepped up and did everything that was necessary so he would be with us a bit longer and we would enjoy every moment we could with him.

When Papi grew tired of those trips to the dialysis facility and was looking for a reason to stop it, my sister Rose Marie went above and beyond and began training so that she could administer the dialysis treatment at home where he would be more comfortable, thank you Rose for your tireless love and dedication to him. Carlos and I are so very proud of both of you.

There really aren’t any words to describe the emptiness in our hearts and in our lives, but we are so proud of him and of the place he rightfully gained in heaven where we know we’ll see him again.

Thank you all again for your friendship and for being here today. May God bless you.

De la pieza “Cuando sea Viejo”

Por último, cuando algún día me oigas decir que ya no quiero vivir y solo quiero morir, no te enfades. Algún día entenderás que esto no tiene nada que ver con tu cariño o cuanto te ame. Trata de comprender que ya no vivo, sino que sobrevivo, y eso no es vivir. Siempre quise lo mejor para ti y he preparado los caminos que has debido recorrer. Piensa entonces que con el paso que me adelanto a dar estaré construyendo para ti otra ruta en otro tiempo, pero siempre contigo.

No te sientas triste o impotente por verme como me ves. Dame tu corazón, compréndeme y apóyame como lo hice cuando empezaste a vivir. De la misma manera como te he acompañado en tu sendero te ruego me acompañes a terminar el mío. Dame amor y paciencia, que te devolveré gratitud y sonrisas con el inmenso amor que tengo por ti.

We love you so much Papi! You will be terribly missed.

* * * * * * * * * *

August 30, 1927 - October 26, 2018

RIVERA MEDINA, Antonio, "Tony", age 91, formerly of Bayamon, Puerto Rico passed away Friday October 26, 2018. He was a proud veteran of the U.S Army National Guard of Puerto Rico with an Honorable discharge on 16th December, 1966. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, son and uncle, lovingly known as “Toñin” by his wonderful nieces, nephews and extended family. Tony was a member in good standing at St. Paul’s Catholic Church until illness became an impediment. At St Paul’s, he was a leader in the “Nuestra Señora Virgen de la Providencia”, he organized and assisted in the greeting of parishioners before Mass and in other church committees for several years. Tony's talents were many, he was an example for all to follow, and he was an avid dominoes player, an excuse he used to entertain his friends who are also aficionados’ of the game. He will be remembered by all for his extraordinary generosity, his loving ways and heart of gold.

Preceded in death by his parents Julian and Paula Rivera, his brother Francisco (Paco) Rivera and his sisters Crucita and Elena Rivera. He is survived by his brother Jose Manuel (Celin) Rivera, by the love of his life and wife of 58 years, Mariana Rivera Chinea; daughters, Rose Marie and Maryann Rivera and family pet Jordan; son, Antonio Rivera Jr. his wife Maria Victoria Rivera and their daughters Victoria and Veronica Rivera; son Carlos Antonio Rivera and his wife Maria Numidia Rivera and their children Allison Sofia and Thiago Alexander. The extended and supportive family includes numerous nieces, nephews and dear friends. Religious services will begin at 2:00pm on Wednesday, October 31, 2018 at St. Paul’s Catholic Church the visiting Pastor Carlos officiating. There will be no burial, we have opted for cremation. The family will only have a mass with military honors. The family would like to express our thanks for the wonderful support of our friends and extended family.