Julius P. Rivera

Born in Cabungan, Zambalez, Philippines among his ten siblings, Julius graduated from University of Santo Tomas in Manila, Medical School Class of 1962. He interned at St. Mary's Hospital, Waterbury, Conn. and completed his surgical residency at Huron Road Hospital in Cleveland, OH and ENT Infirmary in New York City. He practiced medicine in the Philippines and in Cleveland before coming to Michigan City in the early 70's. Dr. Rivera had a fulfilling career there and Knox, IN as a General Surgeon board-certified, specializing in colorectal and bariatric surgery. He also had a Family Practice. He was a member of the Indiana Philippine Medical Association, and did many medical missions and world travel class reunions with his Medical School classmates.

Julius met his wife, Felicidad Balido, while they studied medicine together in Manila and were married in New York in 1965. She worked on many of those Medical Missions trips with him, and they were both active in Couples for Christ while residing in Michigan City, IN. He supported his family and Queen of All Saints parish and school. Always hard working, the couple also enjoyed traveling with their kids and the small close-knit Filipino community there.

After retiring he moved to Beverly Hills, FL where he continued to enjoy his love of gardening, fishing, and parties and potlucks where he would ballroom and salsa dance, karaoke. Julius was a very active member in the larger local Filipino community, as well as an active supporter to the Our Lady of Grace Church's charismatic community, where he was a generous donor.

Julius is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Felicidad, his son Joel Rivera, his daughter Julie (John) Sawyer, and his grandchildren Josette “Josie” and Jack Sawyer and his sisters Clarita (Raul) Cainghug, Corazon (Noel) Abeleda, Amparo Rivera, and sister-in-law lluminada Mercado, and many loved and loving nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Fedirico Rivera and Florencia Peregrino, and siblings Cayatano Rivera, Jesus Rivera, Eleuterio (and Rosa Baron and Elsa) Rivera, Louisa (Alfredo) Yap, Eduardo (and Floring) Rivera, and Benito (Demetria Medigorin) Rivera, and Fernando Rivera.

A visitation for Julius will be held Monday, May 8, 2023 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Fero Funeral Home with Crematory, 5955 North Lecanto Highway, Beverly Hills, FL 34465. A funeral service will occur Tuesday, May 9, 2023 from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM at Our Lady of Grace, 6 Roosevelt Blvd, Beverly Hills, FL 34465. A graveside service will occur Tuesday, May 9, 2023 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at Fero Memorial Gardens, 5891 North Lecanto Highway, Beverly Hills, FL 34465. A reception will occur Tuesday, May 9, 2023 from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM, 5955 North Lecanto Highway, Beverly Hills, FL 34465.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ferofuneralhome.com for the Rivera family.