Edwin "Bobby" Rivera

Edwin "Bobby" Rivera, 71, of Metairie, Louisiana, passed away peacefully on February 27, 2026. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, Bobby was the son of Guillermina Villaronga and Jose Juan Rivera, both of whom preceded him in death.

Bobby spent much of his life working in construction as a heavy machine operator, a job that suited his hardworking spirit and hands-on nature. He took pride in the work he did and the things he helped build.

Outside of work, Bobby had a love for old cars and could often be found admiring or talking about classic vehicles. He loved visiting his daughter and her family in North Carolina, a place that brought him both peace and happiness. Bobby had a way of making connections wherever he went-he truly never met a stranger. He was frustratingly stubborn and strong willed, but he was also incredibly funny and always the life of the party. He loved his daughter and his late wife, Linda, fiercely.

He is survived by his daughter, Jessica Robertson; his sisters, Theresa Bonura and Olga "Edie" Rivera; and many extended family members and friends who will miss him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Linda Navazio Rivera; his brothers, Raymond Rivera and José William Rivera; and his sisters, Mary DiBeneditto and Maria Haydél Rivera.

A Celebration of Life honoring Bobby will be held on Saturday, March 7 located at 3550 Williams Blvd Kenner, LA 70065 at 2:00pm.

Bobby was cremated in accordance with his wishes, with arrangements entrusted to Garden of Memories. To order flowers or offer online condolences please visit www.gardenofmemoriesmetairie.com.

A note from his daughter

Many people knew my dad from all walks of life, he truly never did meet a stranger. But many people only got to the see the rough and tough side of Bobby Rivera because that is who he felt he needed to be. But to me, over the last decade, he truly became Dad, and I am so blessed that I got to experience the softer side of him. The fun-loving, goofy person deep down inside. He had such a zest for life and had such a strong will to live and experience all life had to offer with us. I got to experience just how incredibly strong minded he was when he was diagnosed with cancer. Every doctor he met couldn't believe how resilient he was. After every treatment, every procedure, every set back, he always seemed to come out stronger than before. I am grateful for the years I got with my dad and I am blessed to know that he is now at peace and resting with the love of his life, my mom.

And if there's a jukebox somewhere in heaven, I'm sure he's already asking someone, "You got a quarter? Turn up the jukebox."