He is preceded in death by parents and 13 brothers and sisters.
Alex is survived by Iris, his beloved wife of 40 years; his children: Alex Rivera, Jr of Miami, Mary Goudy of Franklin Park, IL, Ivan Rivera of Franklin Park, IL; stepchildren: Juan J Valentin of Tampa, Iris Valentin of Clearwater, Ramón Yace of West Chicago, IL; grandchildren: Alexander Rivera of Chicago,Alex Rivera III of Miami, William and Elijah of Chicago, IL; step grandchildren: Danny, Syrena, Joseph, Jonathan of Clearwater, Brianna of Chicago, one surviving sister, Juana Cruz of Chicago, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.
He worked as a technician in the air compressor industry.
In his free time, he enjoyed auto mechanics, working on any make or model of car, as a transmission specialist. He was an excellent cook and his speciality was Puertorican food. His favorite food was soups. He was an avid baseball fan of the White Sox in Chicago and then the Rays in Tampa.
He was a faithful member of The Christian and Missionary Alliance, now known as Rebirth Latino Alliance in Tampa. He served the church with diligence. He was always repairing and fixing anything that required maintenance in the churches both here in Tampa and in Chicago. He was an excellent grounds man, always cutting the yard and maintaining the property at the churches. That was his way of serving God. He had a heart and calling for always helping others. He was a great friend, counselor, loving and caring husband and a dedicated father. He was a really great handyman and would always be there for whomever needed him. He will always be missed.
