David Rivera

Our beloved David (Hun) passed away suddenly on Wednesday, June 1st at the age of 52. He was born in NYC (Manhattan) to Ana and Pedro Rivera on July 23, 1969. He was known to his family and friends in NYC as (Speedy). He was a wonderful and loving husband, father, grandpa, son, brother, uncle and friend.
David was a Master Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force and served his Country for 22.5 years. He served proudly and this was his passion. He joined the Air Force on September 28, 1988 at the age of 18 and officially retired as a Master Sergeant in February of 2011. He served as a Military Drill Instructor at Lackland AFB, TX where he was honored to teach our Military Men and Women the value of loyalty to their Country as well as, discipline and teamwork. He served in Operation Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom war. He served overseas in Saudia Arabia, Iraq, Korea, Afghanistan and Dubai.
He is survived by his loving wife, Elsie who were married together for 30 years; and his 5 children, Scott, David Jr. (Big Dave), Anthony, Sarah and Melissa; as well as his two grandsons who he adored more than life itself, Giovanni Noah and Mateo Paxton Pillcurima. He is also survived by his mother and father, Ana and Pedro Rivera; two brothers, Alfred (Freddy), Caleb Rivera; nieces, Janice, Taisha, Julissa; and nephews, Caleb Jr. (Pooky) and Isaiah; father and mother-in-law, Ricardo (Richard) and Maria Maldonado; brother and sister-in-law, Ricardo (Ricky) and Lizbeth Maldonado; and son-in-law, Carlos.
We will remember him always and carry him in our hearts forever.
There will be a viewing at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, June 7, 2022, followed by a short funeral service at 11:30 a.m. at Lewis Funeral Home at 7794 Navarre Pkwy, Navarre, FL 32566. If you would like to send flowers, please send them to Lewis Funeral Home.
To My Dearest Hun,
"You never said I'm leaving, you never said goodbye. You were gone before we knew it, and only God knew why. A million times we needed you, a million times we cried. If love alone could have saved you, you never would have died. In life we loved you dearly, in death we love you still. In our hearts you hold a place that no one could ever fill. It broke our hearts to lose you, but you didn't go alone. For part of us went with you, the day God took you home."
Author Unknown.