Juan Maria Rivera

Juan Maria Rivera, 86, of Hartford, beloved husband of Maria Rivera (Feliciano), passed away peacefully in a loving circle of family, on Thursday, April 28, 2022. He was born July 22, 1935, in Corozal, Puerto Rico, one of 12 children, to the late Marcelino Rivera and Juana Francisca Villareal. He worked as a carpenter to support his family and proudly served his country in the US Army 1955-1957.

Beloved husband of 59 years to his wife Maria, with whom he raised five children: Enid Delia Gotay and her husband Angel, Juan “Johnny” Rivera and his wife Elizabeth, Nellybel Rivera-White and her husband Maurice, Rafael Rivera and Wilfredo Rivera. He was predeceased by a loving daughter-in-law, Evelyn Rivera, and his eldest daughter, Enid, whose passing as an infant he often spoke of. He leaves a legacy of 19 grandchildren and 28 (soon to be 29) great-grandchildren who loved will and miss their beloved Abuelo; Angie Gotay Carrion and Richie (Derek, Jacob, Olivia, Camila), Angel Gotay, Jr. and Isis (Angelica, Angel III, Christina, Antonio), Christopher Gotay and Leanna (Lenny and Liam), Jezzette Rivera Solis and Freddie (Andres and Anahi), Elise Rivera Franco and Carlos (Sarah and Axel Juan), Jessica Rivera, Angela Rivera; Jose Alexis Henriques and Ashley (Kaylene, Danny, Skyelie, Josie), Reynaldo Henriquez (Julian, Emily, Jace, Gianna) Jennely Henriquez Rios and Julio (Xavier and Josiah), Vanessa Gonzales Troche and Alexander (Jacob, Gianna, Jaxon, Gisell), Maria Vega and Bryson; Brianna Rivera McCartney and Sam, Hannah Rivera, Nicholas Rivera, Natalia Rivera; Jose Navedo and Julie (Joseph), Brandy Rivera and Chris, Brandon Rivera. He also leaves to mourn his passing four sisters and four brothers, Francisca, Ildefonso (Josefina), Monserrate, Primitivo (Elizabeth), Angel Luis (Rosa), Rafael (Carmin), Carmen (Jose), and Santo; and was predeceased by his brother, Antonio and his wife Matilde; his sisters, Rafaela and Felicita and a brother-in-law, Ignacio. In addition to his biological siblings, he was loved and will be missed by his wife’s siblings who adored and respected him, most especially his brother-in-law, Jose Feliciano and sister-in-law, Alicia Feliciano, along with a host of nieces, nephews and friends who are like family.

Juan loved music and dancing and was infamous for his story telling! He leaves a legacy of love and will be greatly missed.

The family will receive relatives and friends on Tuesday, May 3rd from 9:30-11:00 a.m. at the D’Esopo Funeral Chapel, 277 Folly Brook Boulevard, Wethersfield followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 a.m. at Maria Reina De La Paz Catholic Church, 494 New Britain Avenue. Interment with military honors will take place in Cedar Hill Cemetery, Hartford.