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Joaquin Riviera Obituary
Joaquin Riviera, Sr.
Joaquin Riviera, Sr., suddenly passed away on August 12, 2006. He was 46 years of age.Born in San Jose, CA, on July 21, 1960, Joaquin worked as a forklift operator for Federated Logistics. He had a great sense of humor and was always trying to make people laugh. A caring man, Joaquin was always there when anyone needed help. He was known as "Dad" to his nieces and nephews whom he helped raise. He will be deeply missed by all whose lives he touched.Joaquin is survived by his loving wife and best friend of 10 years, Nancy Riviera of Hayward; his children and step children, Joaquin Riviera, Jr., of Visalia, Peter Nunes, III, of Hayward, Vanessa Rene of Sarasota, FL, Shanna Nunes of Hayward, and Julie Nunes of Hayward; his siblings, Lenor Singh of Elk Grove, Robert Riviera of Carson City, NV, Luisa Trujillo of Elk Grove, and Ricardo Riviera of Elk Grove; sisters-in-law, Diana Smith of Hercules, Lois Newman of Hayward, Debbie Riviera of Carson City, NV, and Gayle Riviera of Gilroy; grandchildren, Evelynn and William; and many nieces, nephews, extended family and cherished friends.Visitation for Joaquin will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday at Grissom's Chapel & Mortuary, 267 E. Lewelling Blvd., San Lorenzo. There will be a graveside service at 11 a.m. on Thursday at Skylawn Memorial Park in San Mateo.In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made in Joaquin's memory to the American Diabetes Association.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joaquin Riviera
Sponsored by his wife.
Diane Smith
August 20, 2006
Joaquin, I loved you and relied on you and cherished your friendship and assistance. Whenever I needed help, you were there, and you not only did the things I needed to have done, but then went looking for more things that were unfinished. You loved my sister and her family--took them as your own and brought them great happiness and joy, and helped them through all the rough spots. I am so incredibly shocked at your untimely passing and deeply saddened by your death. I am in awe of the way that you touched so many lives, brining your unconditional love and respect to everyone you met. I was sometimes embarassed at your goofiness, and yet would trade all of that (and was jealous of Nancy for having you in her life) to have someone just like that to share my life. I know that you are in a better place, with your blood sugars under control, your knees without pain and no diabetic wounds anywhere--surronded by all the tools you could ever want and all the projects you could ever dream of working on (heaven). Peace be with you.
To Nancy (my baby sister) and family, My deepest sympathy. Remember to keep eating. I love you and I wish I could do something to take away the pain you feel right now. All I can offer is my love and support.
To Joaquin's family,
Thank you for sharing him with my family, for shaping him into the wonderful man he became. He is a real jewel, and I feel so special at having the opportunity to know him. I offer you my deepest sympathy for your loss. He was too young to have passed this way, I understand intellectually that there was a bigger plan for him, but it doesn't help the feelings of loss and sorrow.
To Joaquin's friend John,
How tragic to have watched the accident and yet how blessed you were to have seen him when he was so happy and thrilled at riding the new motorcycle, living out one of his long-held dreams. You knew him for most of his life, and that is such a marvelous thing--to have been close to such a giving and loving friend. I am sorry for your loss and for having to witness the accident, and I am jealous of you having seen the joy in his face just prior, when he was riding the Harley, living out his dream.
Breanna Call
August 18, 2006
I believe in a life more beautiful than any one day on earth, I belive that the soul releases itself from the body and sores beyond this world into the arms of a devine God. I believe that one day his face will shine amongst you again, his smile will warm your hearts, and his laughter will fill your soul. You see there is a God, and one day you will be together again, I promise you, this my friend is not the end.
Jauquin and Sonna,
I know that there is nothing that I can say, but I am so grieved for you. I think about this tragedy all day long and my heart feels so heavy. I keep praying and asking God to give me a way to make you feel better, or even a way to show you how sorry I am, I hope that you both know. I will never say I understand, because I do not, all I can do is weep with you. I know you doubt God, but I promise you he is real and one day you and your father will see each other again, beleive in that, and hold onto it, I hope that God can bring some comfort to you... I know your father is looking down and he is so proud of you, he lives on and he is in an amazing place right now
I love you guys and Im so very sorry
Aunt Evelyn & Family Smith
August 18, 2006
Be Still
Be still like the grass on a melancholy summer day
Be still like desert shrub.
Be calm and you will hear your loved one speak, in the stillness, in the calm, their love resounds.
If you are still this promise I make, you will hear the voice of your loved one helping you along your way.
toni powell
August 18, 2006
NANCY AND FAMILY
JOAQUIN WILL BE MISSED. WE WILL ALL MISS HIM BEING SILLY,NUTTY, CRAZY, LOVEABLE AND ALWAYS SMILING. LOVE TO ALL AUNTIE TONI
Aunt Janice Salcedo
August 17, 2006
Dear Nancy & family:
Joaquin will be missed by all. He was such a happy person. He always came up to me at family reunions and gave me a big kiss and hug. I will miss him very much.
Remember that he will be with you always and you have to take one day at a time.
My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.
Bernadette H. Martinez
August 16, 2006
Nancy,
thank you for loving my Uncle Joaquin. He was blessed to have had you by his side.
May the Lord keep you in his never ending circle of Love,
Bernadette
Bernadette Martinez
August 16, 2006
To my dearest Uncle Joaquin,
I remember the day you taught me how to "swim" by throwing me in the middle of the pool and encouraging me to kick my legs and reach for the edge. After you had to reach way in to pull me out, you said "see kid,your alright, now you know how to swim". For whatever reason i made it a point to never be around a body of water when you were close. haha
I remember you picking me up from my parents house in San jose and we would just drive and we would show up at relatives houses to just say hi and visit.I loved that.Thank you.
I remember that you always had a smile for me and a laugh that I will never forget. Thank you for always honoring my mother(Martha) by telling me about her, even though i never had the oppotunity to meet her. I'm sure she has her arms around you right now, welcoming you with a big smile just like yours!!
Uncle, you left so soon, but I promise to tell your grandchild what a loving, kind, giving,silly person you have always been and forever will be remembered. So, see kid, your alright!!
until we meet again...
i love you now and always,
Your niece Bernadette
Diana Coffee
August 16, 2006
Nancy & Family I am so sorry to hear about Joaquin, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.I met him at Marthas kids birthday party at Ragging Waters,I will always remember him, he was so kind and funny. Diana (Marthas friend)
Shirley James
August 16, 2006
Nancy & Family
I was so sorry this has happened,
Joaguin will be greatly missed in so many ways, He was a great friend and listener, and yes he would even make me laugh, when no one else could. He had a great sence of humor, I miss you already joaguin, and Nancy if you need a friend, im here for you and your family... love shirley
Anna Govea
August 16, 2006
Hey Uncle Joaquin like Mary says No matter what you'll always be my uncle or should I say my CRAZY uncle...I remember you always making us kids laugh...we love you UNCLE..tell Grandpa Roberto and Nana hello from all of us. YOU WILL BE MISSED
Carmen Ugalde
August 16, 2006
Uncle Joaquin you will be truly missed. Especially your sense of humor. Love always, little Carmen. (Patricia's daughter)
Sonna
August 16, 2006
My Dearest Joaquin,
You have no idea how much i will truley miss you, your smile, your laugh the way you always teased me about not eating your cooking...i would give anything i have just to have you here with us again...i wish with all my being you could have been here to see your first grandchild be born.. i know your son would love that more then life its self...you will always be in my thoughts nad in my heart..i want to thank you for every smile that you have given me..and every smile that you have given little joaquin..even though your not here with us...you still make both of us smile... we will always love and miss you...
Angelica Hernandez
August 16, 2006
I would like to give my deepest apologies for such a great loss you had to endear. My name is Angelica I am the youngest daughter of Martin Hernandez and sister to Bernadette. I have many great, loving, cherishable memories from my childhood of Joaquin. He had such a big warm open heart, it was as though he was always there for anyone no matter what. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Angelica Hernandez
August 16, 2006
I would like to give my deepest apologies for such a great loss you had to endear. My name is Angelica I am the youngest daughter of Martin Hernandez and sister to Bernadette. I have many great, loving, cherishable memories from my childhood of Joaquin. He had such a big warm open heart, it was as though he was always there for anyone no matter what. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Mary Ortega
August 15, 2006
Hey Uncle. No matter what youll always be my uncle. I can remember the last time i seen you at my daughters birthday party. Ofcourse had to make me laugh like you always do with your big sense of humor. You will forever be missed and always in my thoughts. R.I.P.
Mary
Martha (Marti) Gonzales
August 15, 2006
In My Pocket
I have memories in my pocket.
They rattle among the change.
My memories of you are treasures I carry wherever I go.
They are stored in bits and pieces, parts of a beautiful whole
They give me comfort when I think I am alone.
Yes, I have memories in my pocket, like so much other stuff I keep there.
But of all the treasures I have, it’s the memories of you that are the most precious.
Luisa Trujillo
August 15, 2006
My heart aches for the lost of my baby brother, i feel bless to have had Joaquin in my life.
Walk with God little brother,until we met again.
your sister
Mando Gonzales
August 15, 2006
Dearest uncle, thank you for loving my family unconditionally. You were truly one of a kind. I only wish I had told you that in person, not now that you have passed. I will always remember and love you. See you, at the giant pick n' pull in the sky someday. Love your nephew mando.
Judy, Nancy, Joaquin, John - Wedding 09/28/96
August 15, 2006
Your loving wife, Nancy Riviera
August 15, 2006
Honey,
I miss you so much...I love you and always will. You brightened my days, and everyone else's. You were loved by all, and we all miss you.
Martha (Marti) Gonzales
August 15, 2006
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2006
Joaquin, caught on computer 08/10/06
August 15, 2006
Joaquin being himself 1997
August 15, 2006
Joaquin, Nancy & Julie 1996
August 15, 2006
Joaquin, Aunt Betty, and Nancy 1999
August 15, 2006
Joaquin, Rex, and John - May 2006
August 15, 2006
Martha (Marti) Gonzales
August 15, 2006
I love you a lot Uncle. I will also miss you. You will aways be in my heart.
Gilbert & Luisa Trujillo
August 15, 2006
In My Pocket
I have memories in my pocket.
They rattle among the change.
My memories of you are treasures I carry wherever I go.
They are stored in bits and pieces, parts of a beautiful whole
They give me comfort when I think I am alone.
Yes, I have memories in my pocket, like so much other stuff I keep there.
But of all the treasures I have, it’s the memories of you that are the most precious.
Martha (Marti) Gonzales
August 15, 2006
Uncle, I will always love you and miss you. You are my favortie uncle.And you were like my dad to me. You are all be in my heart.
Love Marti
Martha (Marti) Gonzales
August 15, 2006
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2006
Martha Gonzales
August 15, 2006
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2006
Dave & Terri Swegan
August 15, 2006
Nancy & Family,
We will miss Joaquin greatly. Even though we live far away from you now, Dave and I have frequently spoken of you and Joaquin in sharing our memories of great times with you both. We will mostly miss Joaquin's wonderful sense of humor and how gracious he was to everyone he met.
Know that our hearts and thoughts are with you all.
Love,
Dave & Terri
Jody Thompson
August 15, 2006
Joaquin always made me smile and laugh, so many times he helped me in
many ways. Always smiling. I will miss him, My prayers go out to the family, those whom I know, and those whom I have never met. My God be with you all.
Jody
Joaquin riviera
August 15, 2006
Hey dad ill always love you
Joaquin & JR at JR's Graduation 2004
August 15, 2006
Joaquin at Great America July 1996
August 15, 2006
Joaquin & JR at the Golden Gate Bridge July 2006
August 15, 2006
Your cousins, Mike & Jenean Smith
August 15, 2006
Nancy and Family,
We are so sorry to hear of Joaquin's passing. May God be with you and yours in this time of sorrow. Love to you all.
Martin Hernandez Jr.
August 15, 2006
I just wanted to send my condulances to Joaquin's family, and say that he will live on in my memories as someone who made me laugh when no one else would.
~Martin
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Funeral services provided by:
Grissom's Chapel & Mortuary Inc. - San Lorenzo267 E. Lewelling Blvd., San Lorenzo, CA 94580
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