1940 - 2022
James Rivera of the Bronx, New York passed away on May 23, 2022, surrounded by his loving family. He was 81 years old.
14 years ago, when mom died, dad said he wished it had been him. He said he wished it was him because he couldn't be what she was to us. That didn't stop him from putting aside his own grief to try to fill her big shoes. He hosted holidays on his own and tried so hard to make her legendary rice, which is not an easy thing to do. He brushed up on pop culture so he had more things to talk with us about during phone calls that were now longer for him than they had ever been before. He was a generous man with high standards. He would give you the last dollar in his pocket, but he expected you to make something out of it. He was a hard worker who very rarely sat still. He opened his home to friends and family, not just to visit, but also to live. That gave us (his children) relationships with aunts, uncles, and cousins which are priceless. He loved his pigeons, his music, days spent on Orchard beach, dancing and the Boston Celtics. He could turn random objects into musical instruments to play at the drop of a hat. He was a beloved Father, Grandfather, Brother, Son, Uncle, Cousin, and Friend. More than anything else, he was our hero. He leaves a hole in this world that can never be filled. We love you Dad. Sleep in Peace. "Take Care".
In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a gift to the charities close to James's heart.
St. Joseph's Indian School - www.stjo.org St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital www.stjude.org
Ballard-Durand Funeral & Cremation Services (White Plains)
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