Robert Exmundo Rivera passed away at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida on May 2, 2022 at the age of 93. After a tough battle with pancreatic cancer, Robert died peacefully in his sleep with his beloved niece Sherrie Ann Ligori, who was like a daughter to him, by his side along with other family members.
Robert was born in Fabens, Texas on September 23, 1928 to Alberto Hernandez Rivera and Loretta Cordero Rivera as the oldest of seven siblings. He always told stories of his beautiful memories of his childhood years growing up on the ranch in Fabens where he told of his tales riding horses, milking cows, spending time with his siblings, his mother’s beautiful meals, and his father reading the Bible to them every night. It was there on that ranch that his strong work ethic, enduring patience, love of family, love of God and positive outlook on life were developed from the abundance of love poured into him from his parents.
His father then moved their family to Delano, California for work, where he lived out his teen years until he decided that he wanted to see the world and joined the Air Force at age 18. On that journey, he was stationed at Macdill Airforce Base in Tampa, Florida where he met Jennie Rose Busto, the love of his life and settled in Tampa. They were married on November 6, 1949 and were blessed with 71 loving years together. His Sicilian in laws quickly embraced him as their own son and loved him dearly. He became a brother to Jennie’s siblings, Mary, Katie and Peter Busto, who have all known and loved him since their childhood years.
Robert retired from the Air Force after 25 years of service to our country after which he proceeded to have a career in sales. He entered full retirement following his sales career and enjoyed his life with Jennie to the fullest extent through his ability to find the greatest of happiness in the smallest of every day occurrences which were largely centered around his love of forming connections with his fellow man. His love for his siblings never wavered no matter how many miles were between them over the years and his pride for both his parents, Mexican heritage, and all of his siblings remained a constant throughout his lifetime.
While Robert took on many roles throughout his impressive life, his biggest role was that as a father to Sherrie Ann after her own father passed away and of a much adored grandfather to Sherrie’s daughter’s, Alessandria and Juliana Ligori.
His kindness was never to be mistaken for weakness for his slowness to anger, quickness to forgive, and unwavering optimism filled every room he encountered and instilled a feeling of safety within all who were blessed enough to cross his path. In the end, his battle with cancer truly showed his courage in facing life’s challenges with positivity, love, and a sense of humor. Robert’s joyous presence will be missed by all and forever honored in the hearts of those who love him. He is now at peace with his wife Jennie who passed away just 15 months before him. He took care of her every step of the way with the same strength, unconditional love, encouragement, and optimism as she battled leukemia. Their love and respect for one another was absolutely something to be admired.
They are now reunited in Heaven.
He is preceded by his parents, brothers, Rudy Rivera, Guillermo C. Rivera; sister, Lydia Berona; brother in law Eddie Ahumada and his beloved wife, Jennie Rose Rivera.
Robert is survived by his brothers, Jose C. Rivera and his wife Yvette, and Richard Rivera and his wife Diane; sister, Cruz Ahumada; sister in law, Helen River; brother in law, J.R. Berona; niece and god daughter, Sherrie Ligori and her husband Chris Ligori; great nieces, Alessandria Ligori and Juliana Ligori; nephew, Jason Robert Busto; sister in laws, Mary Busto, Katie Busto Hines; brother in law, Peter Nelson Busto and his wife Kelly; along with many other nieces, nephews and cousins.
A visitation for Robert will be held Thursday, June 2, 2022 from 5:30 PM to 6:00 PM at Blount & Curry FH-Carrollwood, 3207 W Bearss Ave, Tampa, FL 33618, followed by a memorial service from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Robert's honor may be made to Moffitt Cancer Center. Please click the link below.
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