Gilberto Rivera's Obituary
Gilberto Rivera, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather passed away at the age of 79 on March 24, 2017, in his home in Lakeland, FL surrounded by family.
Gilberto Rivera was born on June 13, 1937, in Toa Baja, Puerto Rico to Juan Rivera and Dominga Rodriguez. He grew up with six siblings, and he spent much of his childhood fishing with them and his father. He learned the trade of auto technician from his father and continued to work in that trade for over 50 years and was the owner of Gil’s A/C and Auto Repair in Lakeland, FL. Even after his retirement he continued to periodically do auto repair for friends and family. During his leisure time he enjoyed bowling, fishing, softball, and attending his children’s baseball games. In his later years he discovered a love for gardening and grew vegetables from his home of Puerto Rico. He loved his daily cup of coffee yet never in his life made his own cup until got a Keurig as a Christmas present from his wife. He was a devoted Christian and spent his afternoons reading his collection of sermons and in prayer with the Lord.
He married Raquel Rivera on February 15, 1963, and he was the proud father of Gil Alberto (53), Degi (51), Saralis (43), Obed (42), and Gabriel (41). As a family they took many trips to the beach, camping, and road trips to visit family in New York.
Gilberto was incredibly passionate and proud of his family. He is survived by his wife Raquel Rivera; children, Gil Alberto (Nancy), Degi (Carlos), Saralis (Henrich), Obed (Meseidy), and Gabriel (Destyni); siblings, Milton (Irma), Juaco (Luz), Jenny, Olga (Neftali), Juan (Angie), and Sara; sister-in-law Diane and brother-in-law Alvin; grandchildren Elizabeth, Sharon, Sharelly, Jennifer, Jessica, Janette, Aaron, Jalissa, Kiana, Gabriel, and Julian; great grandchildren Giana, Ashira, William Yair, Asael, Eva, Aries, Amelia, Yisel, and Nelson.
Please share your favorite memories, stories and photos of Gilberto in his guestbook below, and share this page with those who knew him.
"Gilberto was incredibly passionate and proud of his family. He is survived by his wife Raquel Rivera”
Visitation will be Wednesday from 5-6 p.m. and service will begin at 6 p.m. at Gentry-Morrison Funeral Homes - Serenity Gardens Chapel, 3350 Mall Hill Drive, Lakeland.
Gilberto Rivera, amado esposo, padre, abuelo y bisabuelo falleció a los 79 años el 24 de marzo de 2017, en su casa de Lakeland, FL, rodeado de una familia Gilberto Rivera nació el 13 de junio de 1937, en Toa Baja, Puerto Rico, hijo de Juan Rivera y Dominga Rodríguez. Él creció con seis hermanos y hermanas, pescando con ellos y su padre durante su infancia. Aprendió el oficio de técnico de auto de su padre y continuó trabajando en ese comercio por más de 50 años y era el dueño de Gil’s A/C and Auto Repair en Lakeland, FL Incluso después de su jubilación, continuó haciendo reparations automotrices periódicamente para sus amigos y familiares. Durante su tiempo libre, disfrutó de bowling, pesca, softbol y asistir a los juegos de béisbol de sus hijos. En sus últimos años, descubrió un amor por la jardinería y creció verduras de su hogar de Puerto Rico. Amaba su taza de café diaria pero nunca en su vida hizo su propia taza hasta que consiguió un Keurig como un regalo de Navidad de su esposa. Era un cristiano devoto y pasaba sus tardes leyendo su colección de sermones y en oración con el Señor.
Se casó con Raquel Rivera el 15 de febrero de 1963, y fue el orgulloso padre de Gil Alberto (53), Degi (51), Saralis (43), Obed (42) y Gabriel (41). Como familia, hicieron muchos viajes a la playa, acampar y viajes para visitar a la familia en Nueva York.
Gilberto era increíblemente apasionado y orgulloso de su familia. Le sobreviven su esposa, Raquel Rivera; Los niños, Gil Alberto (Nancy), Degi (Carlos), Saralis (Henrich), Obed (Meseidy) y Gabriel (Destyni); Hermanos, Milton (Irma), Juaco (Luz), Jenny, Olga (Neftali), Juan (Angie) y Sara; Cuñada Diane y su cuñado Alvin; Nietos, Elizabeth, Sharon, Sharelly, Jennifer, Jessica, Janette, Aaron, Jalissa, Kiana, Gabriel y Julian; Bisnietos Giana, Ashira, William Yair, Asael, Eva, Aries, Amelia, Yisel y Nelson.
Por favor comparta sus memorias favoritas, cuentos y fotos de Gilberto en su libro de visitas a continuación, y comparta esta página con aquellos que lo conocieron.
La visita será miércoles de 5-6 pm y el servicio comenzará a las 6 pm en las Casas Funerarias Gentry-Morrison - Capilla de los Jardines de la Serenidad, 3350 Mall Hill Drive, Lakeland.
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