Carlos Javier Rivera

Carlos Javier Rivera, age 59, of Lakeland, Florida, peacefully passed away on February 3, 2022 surrounded by loved ones, after suffering health complications. Carlos was born on March 22, 1962 to Adolfo & Lily A. Rivera in the vibrant city of Lima, Honduras.

In 1977, he first met Gisela Castellanos at a local grocery store in Miami and later married her in 1978. Carlos and Gisela went on to have seven children: Grisela, Lily, Tiffiany, Crystal, Stephanie, Carlos Junior, and Xavier. Carlos initially started his career as a strong-willed professional boxer but as his family grew, he did want he always did – he put his family first. He evolved his lifelong career with the United States Postal Service.

Carlos proudly worked as a United States Letter Carrier for over 30 years. Carlos was passionate about helping his Post Office brothers and sisters as a Union Rep and loved what he did for a living. He stood up countless nights researching and compiling evidence to ensure that his brothers and sisters would receive justice.

Carlos loved spending time with his wife and spoiling his grandchildren. He was passionate about baseball, especially for the Tampa Bay Rays and Miami Marlins. When he lived in Miami, he would attend baseball games with his children. He continued that love for baseball by attending Tampa Bay Rays game with his wife, children, grandchildren, and dear friend, John Burton.

Carlos retired in 2019. While retired, Carlos had time to pursue his love of mechanic work, attending the Rays game, spending time with his grandchildren, and traveling with his lovely wife. He looked forward to traveling the most with his wife and grandchildren, yet that passion fell short due to his early death.

Carlos is preceded in his death by his mother Lily, and son Carlos Junior. He is survived by wife Gisela, his six children, Grisela, Lily, Tiffiany, Crystal, Stephanie, Xavier, and 19 grandchildren. He will forever be loved, remembered, and celebrated for his great faith and his courageous, kind heart.

Services will be held at Blout & Curry Funeral Home at Garden of Memories on Sunday, February 13, 2022 at 3-5pm.