Juan Rafael Rivera is the son of Miguel Angel Rivera Lopez and Providencia Rivera, the 3rd of 6 children, Epifanio, Miguel, Juan, Marcos, Awilda. Julia, and Maria. He is survived by his daughter Provi De Vito, his sons Randy and Frankie Rivera.
Loving Grandfather to Lauren Sully De Vito Magbitang, husband Jay Magbitang; Daryen Faith De Vito, Fiance; Timothy Anevski; Gabrielle Karina Sinibaldi, husband Robert Sinibaldi; Melissa Rivera; Starr Rivera; Jonathan Rivera; and Sarena Gia Latona.
Great Grandfather to Antonio Joaquin De Vito, Noah Athan Magbitang, Jade Alicea Peel. Joshua Daniel De Vito, Veronica Ann Sinibaldi, Joseph Michael Colon, and Ariel Melody Anevski.
Father in law to Craig De Vito and Avanelle Rivera.
Uncle, cousin, and friend to many.
Born in Gurabo Puerto Rico and then moving to Rio Piedras. Grew up in a place that was still wild pastures. Juan grew up riding horses and was training to be a jockey until he had a fall. He never gave up his love for horses. His next passion was sports especially baseball and his favorite team was the New York Yankees.
When he migrated to NY, he was 21 and found work as a steel iron worker who perfected the craft of metal etching.
His most “talked” artistry was the doors he etched for Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas. On the far corner of the doors, he etched his initials.
He saw and met Carmen Cruz and wrote her love letters, that is really their meeting. Eventually, he asked her grandparents permission to wed and they created a life in the Bronx.
A celebration of life will took place online via Virtual Memorial Gatherings on Saturday, May 9, 2020 at 4:30 PM EDT.
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Cliffton Rush
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Loved and will never be forgotten. He was more than an uncle, he was a father figure to many of us. I know he’s sitting in that Yankee Stadium in heaven enjoying the games that the great ones are playing. He’s home with family and Loved ones. Thanks for all years of your guidance and wisdom uncle. Love you forever and a day.
Jamiy Nieves
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R.I.P Dad thanks for always loving me like you’re own daughter you’re gone but never forgotten until we meet again god gain another angel ? love you papi
David
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S.I.P Grandpa, you will forever be missed. Thank you for being the best anyone could ever ask for.
Matthew lopez
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S.I.P Grandpa you will forever be missed and Loved , Thank you for being the BEST GRANDPA anyone can ever ask for, you will always be apart of my memories
Love Matthew
Y
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S.I.P Grandpa, you will forever be loved and missed. Thank you for always being the best grandpa and always treating me like your granddaughter.
Love,,
Victoria
Ivan Rosario
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I want to thank you for teaching me how to catch a baseball when I was a young boy. You are the reason why I became a football coach!!!
Love
Your Godson
Ivan
Angel Sanchez
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R.i.p Johnny beloved God father will be missed
Maria Rivera
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Tengo tantos recuerdos muy bonito de mi tio juan rivera.
I love you so much tio,rip