Arthur “Art” M. Rivera, born on April 25, 1932 in New York City, New York, passed away suddenly in a local hospital on Wednesday, June 22, 2022. He and his beloved wife Brenda were residents of Chickasaw, Alabama since 2009.
Art was a 90 year old veteran who served proudly during the Korean War. Because of his love of our great country and his profound belief in our freedoms, he was a lifetime member of the America Legion.
Art retired from the Unisys Corporation. His work with Unisys took him throughout the United States, Puerto Rico and Overseas. Not one to sit Idle, he became a Master Jeweler and Gemologist, opening Art’s Jewelry, first in Destin, Florida and then in Alabama.
His tremendous love of the ocean was unsurpassed. He spent many hours and days on the water as an avid fisherman. He also loved snorkeling and scuba diving. He became a certified scuba diving instructor so that others could safely share in his passion of the sea. Dancing was another of Art’s passions. His parents were professional dancers and his ability to clear the dance floor was inherited from them.
Art was preceded in death by his first wife, Carmen L. Rivera and his parents, Ramon and Ivy Rivera.
He is survived by his loving wife of 26 years, Brenda Simmons Rivera; his children, Luane Rivera Mikell (Lem), John Rivera, Arthur V. Rivera and Delores Rivera; 3 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren; step-children, Dana St. Pierre, Pamela Rodriguez (Carlos), Joseph Rodgers, 7 Step Grandchildren; loving sister-in-law, Debbie Simmons Cox (Marcus Arns), loving cousin-in-law, Dee King and numerous step-nieces and nephews, special friends and our much loved, spoiled fur baby Bella. He will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him.
In Lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project (woundedwarriorproject.org) or the Disabled American Veterans (Dav.org) or the ASPCA (aspca.org) or a charity of your choice.
Graveside services and inurnment will be held on Monday, July 18, 2022, at 1:30 p.m. at the Alabama State Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Spanish Fort.
Condolences may be offered at www.radneyfuneralhome-saraland.com.
