Mr. Jose R. Rivera

August 8, 1951 - August 8, 2018

Jose R. Rivera Professional Boxer LOWELL—Jose R. Rivera, 67, a Lowell resident for most of his life, passed away on his birthday, August 8, 2018 at Lowell General Hospital. He was the beloved husband of 45 years of Luz Rosario of Lowell who survives him. Jose was born in Arroyo, Puerto Rico on August 8, 1951 a son of the late Felicita Morales and Jose Rivera who survives him. He came to the United States in the 1960’s and settled with his family in Brooklyn, NY. He was raised in Brooklyn and loved living there. He moved to Lowell where he lived most of his life and raised his family. Jose was one of the first Boxers to come out of the Ramalho’s West End Gym in Lowell. Jose loved to play the guitar and performed in music bands for the Puerto Rican Festival. He was also a very good Salsa Dancer. He loved watching wrestling and reruns of Three’s Company, Married with Children, and That 70’s Show. Jose loved to eat, especially pizza and ice cream. He was strong willed and independent. Jose was a Free Spirit. He loved to laugh and always kept everyone laughing, right up to the very end. He didn’t ever worry about what anyone thought, and taught his children to think that way. He taught them not to judge anyone. Most of all, Jose loved his family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Jose is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Luz Rosario; his children, Leslie Rivera and Anyanna N. White, and Luis Rosario, Juan Rosario, Luz I. Rosario, and Liz Alvarado; 20 grandchildren including his first born grandson Richard Mercado, aka Junior, whom helped raise, and granddaughter Taeisha Justiniano, whom he also helped raise. He also leaves 40 great grandchildren; his sisters, Maria Rivera, Gloria Campos, and Carmen Rivera; his brothers, Antonio Rivera, Emilio Martinez and Luis Lebron; many nieces, nephews, and cousins, and his grand dog Tyson Buddy. Jose was the brother of the late Heriberto Rivera, Enrique Rodriguez, Isabelno Martinez. FUNERAL NOTICE Family and friends may call at the FAY McCABE FUNRAL HOME, 105 MOORE STREET, LOWELL on FRIDAY from 10 AM until 12 Noon. Mr. Rivera’s Funeral will follow on FRIDAY at 12 o’clock. Burial will follow in Westlawn II Cemetery, Lowell. ARRANGEMENTS BY THE FAY McCABE FUNERAL DIRECTORS 978-459-9222 www.faymccabe.com