Richard Alan Rivera, age 49, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 13th, 2019 at Tampa General Hospital, surrounded by his loved ones. He was the husband of Georgina Rivera. The couple celebrated eleven years of marriage on July 7th, 2018.
A celebration of life tribute service will be held at The Crossing Church Southshore Campus, 3058 E. College Ave., Ruskin, FL 33570 on Tuesday, February 19th, with Pastor Greg Dumas officiating. Visitation hours will be from 4 to 6pm. Service will be from 6 to 7pm, with reception to follow. He will be laid to rest at Sarasota National Cemetery for immediate family only.
Richard was born on March 4th, 1969 in White Plains, New York. He was the son of the late Ariel Rivera and is survived by his mother, Luz Eneida Arce, and sister, Shirley Mackley. He was the brother of the late Susan Fahringer.
Richard was a Jack of all trades, spending years as a carpenter, handy man, optical tech, and business owner. He proudly served 14 years in the United States Army Reserve. He was pursuing his Bachelors of Science in Christian Leadership and Management, with a minor in Biblical Studies.
To say that Richard was a man of God would be an understatement. He gladly preached the Word of God to anyone who would listen. He loved Jesus wholeheartedly, and his passion for Christ shined bright through his compassion for others. His mission in life was to get as many people as he could to know and love Christ. He dreamed of creating and leading a non-profit Christian outreach organization.
Richard had a passion for learning and cooking, loved animals, and his most recent endeavor was to learn to play multiple musical instruments. His giant personality and gentle heart touched the lives of so many. There are not enough words to express his love for others, God, and his family. He was a devoted family man and put God and his family above all else.
Richard is survived by his loving wife, Georgina Rivera, 6 children, Ashley Lamberti, Justina Ott, Jennifer Rivera, Richard Alan Rivera II, Nicholas Yeagley, and Noah Yeagley, and 5 grandchildren, Brianna, Trinity, Gavin, Giovanni, and Dominic, with countless beloved family members who predeceased him. He will be deeply missed and never forgotten.
Memorial contributions can either be made to Georgina Rivera via The Crossing Church, address above, or the American Heart Association. Flowers may also be sent to The Crossing Church Southshore Campus.