Claudio Raphael Rivero

Claudio Raphael Rivero was born on April 13, 1974 in Queens, New York and died unexpectedly on January 31, 2020 in Miami, Florida. Claudio was adored by friends and family for his humor, his laugh, and his generosity. He was a very kind, gentle, and loving person who strived always to be his best self in life and encouraged the same in so many others.

Claudio is survived by his daughter Zara Kay Bitonti Rivero, the mother of his child Erica Bitonti, parents Carmela Rivero from Italy and Jose Rivero from Colombia, sister Michelle Rivero (John) and niece Cecilia Murray Gavin and additional extended family, including aunts, uncles and cousins. He was predeceased by older family members, including his maternal grandmother, Giuseppina Aucello, who loved him so much and with whom he was especially close.

Claudio graduated from St. Stanislaus in Bay St. Louis Mississippi and obtained his B.A. from Loyola University New Orleans. He also obtained a degree from Parsons School of Design in New York and had lived in Miami, Florida for almost 20 years, where he worked in real estate and property management.

Claudio loved and experienced life to the fullest. He was a dedicated father, son and sibling and was someone who had a strong faith in God. He had many exceptional friendships with people who loved him like a brother. He was always saying that this or that person was “like family.” It is a consolation to see parts of who Claudio was in the friendships he had. We loved him so much, and are grateful for the reminders of the beautiful and unforgettable person he was.

We are especially grateful to Claudio’s closest friends here in Louisiana and in Florida. We will remember the light of Claudio’s smile and his generous spirit.

A service will be held at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home in Monday February 10 at 2PM so that those who loved Claudio may be together in spirit. The address is 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd., New Orleans, Louisiana 70124.