Luis Rivera

RIVERA Luis Alberto Rivera, Sr., age 89, of Fairfield, beloved husband of 69 years of Raquel Rivera passed away peacefully in his home Friday, June 15, 2012 surrounded by his loving family. Born in Ponce, Puerto Rico the son of the late Domingo and Petra Rivera, he came to the United States in 1948 and settled in Fairfield in the early 1950's. Mr. Rivera worked at Handy and Harmon, Tilo Roofing Manufacturers, and retired as a Manager at Avco Lycoming. A devout Roman Catholic, he was an active parishioner at St. Peter's Church in Bridgeport. Luis was and avid and talented softball player and played in various industrial leagues throughout the area. He enjoyed major league baseball and followed both the Yankees and the Mets. Affectionately known as "Uncle Albert", Luis will be fondly remembered as an outgoing and friendly gentleman who was always willing to help others. In addition to his loving wife Raquel he is survived by two devoted sons, Jesus "Jesse" Rivera of Brownsville, VT and Luis A. "Tito" Rivera, Jr. and his wife Cynthia Hornyak Rivera of Bridgeport; four sisters, Rose Zsampar of West Haven, Sara Madar of Fairfield, Gloria Hilbert of Germantown, VA and Petra Collazo of Stratford; five grandchildren, Sheelah Buedinger and her husband Bill of Vernon, VT, Alexandra Lepore and her husband Chris of Trumbull, Danielle Rivera of Fairfield, Kristen Rivera of Shelton and April Rivera of Shelton; six cherished great-grandchildren, Alex, Hanna, Abigale, Meghan, Collin and Neena; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a daughter-in-law, Patricia Rivera, a grandson, Paul Murphy and three sisters, Luz Castro, Carmen Rivera and Eloise Rivera. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, June 19, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. meeting directly at St. Peter's Church, 695 Colorado Ave., Bridgeport. Interment will be private. Friends may call Monday from 4-7 p.m. in the Spear-Miller Funeral Home, 39 South Benson Road, Fairfield. If desired memorial contributions may be made to either Swim Across the Sound, 2800 Main Street, Bridgeport, CT 06606 or to the Visiting Nurse Services of Connecticut, 40 Lindeman Drive, Trumbull, CT 06611. The Rivera family wishes to express the sincere thanks to the staff at the Visiting Nurse Services of CT for the care and compassion provided to Mr. Rivera and his family throughout his illness. For information or to sign an online guest register please visit www.SpearMillerFuneralHome.com