JERRY RIVERA Obituary
Jerry was born in Brooklyn, New York on January 11, 1949. He always had a passion for music and was singing and playing guitar by the time he was a teenager. He was creative and enjoyed writing lyrics for songs and composing music with his cousin Richie and his younger brother Roger. In the early 1970's, they formed a band called "Times in Trouble" and started performing at local venues throughout the northeast. After several years, Jerry became a solo artist and shared his love and talent for singing and entertaining with many people across the country. Through the years, Jerry explored other phases of music and entertainment such as writing songs, recording music and a desire to help others develop their musical talents! After Jerry was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2005, he became interested in performing at charity events. During his treatments and recovery, Jerry learned the important effect that good cancer care could have on its patients and their families. He approached the local American Cancer Society with an idea for a musical fund raiser to help raise money for other cancer patients in the area. He met with the committee and became affiliated with their annual "Relay For Life" walk that is sponsored each year across the country. He would go on to become the musical host during several of their "Relay For Life" walks in the state of Texas. Jerry was a cancer survivor for ten years after his first battle with the disease and amazed everyone with his struggle and recovery to regain his health. He was friendly and charismatic and embraced making friends with those he met on his life's journey!
Born: Jan 11, 1949 in New York
Died: Dec 23, 2015 in Alabama
Obituary
Jerry Rivera, 66, passed away on December 23, 2015 following a courageous battle with cancer. Jerry was born on January 11, 1949 in Brooklyn, New York. He was the son of the late Pauline Delmarco and Julius S. Rivera Sr.
Jerry Rivera was a singer/musician as well as an accomplished guitarist. He had a great passion for music and performed at many musical venues across the country.
He is survived by his sister, Robin Anspach; brother-in-law, Russell Anspach and nieces, Amanda Anspach; Ashley Anspach and Aimee Anspach. He also has a great-nephew, Emanuel Elias who is the son of Aimee Anspach.
He is preceded in death by his mother, Pauline Delmarco; father, Julius S. Rivera Sr. and brothers, Ronald E. Rivera; Eugene Rivera and Roger F. Rivera.
In lieu of cards or flowers, the family suggests a donation to the "American Cancer Society" in memory of Jerry Rivera at: www.cancer.org
49 Entries
Robin Anspach
February 13, 2016
This is my temporary home, it's not where I belong. Windows and rooms, that I'm passing through. This is just a stop, on the way to where I'm going. I'm not afraid, because I know. This is my-- Temporary Home! Jerry, it seems like yesterday that you were sitting in our living room listening to me sing that song. We were relaxing and singing some karaoke songs together. I know you are finally home with your Heavenly Father and Mom and Ronnie and Roger now. I hope you can feel all the love that everyone is sending up to you in heaven and that you are finally at peace. We all love you and miss you. You will always be in our hearts.Your sister Robin and Family.
Barbara Nevins
January 17, 2016
I met Jerry in 2000,in Florida in an American Legion, he was singing Neil Diamond ,"Sweet Caroline" which he sounded just like him, I couldn't believe my ears! We began to date shortly after that and we had an on again off again relationship up to the time of his death(we were not speaking at the time)Although we had our up's and down's we did remain friends and would help each other out when we could. We had a lot of good memories especially when we worked together doing Karaoke ,he taught me a lot about singing and I will always cherish the time I visited him in Texas. I know your resting in peace now Jerry and I'm sorry I didn't get to say goodbye but I'm saying it now thanks for the memories goodbye old friend!! Barbara
Christine Russo
January 17, 2016
looking at the pictures of jerry through the years made me laugh and cry at the same time. One thing that comes to mind is when he lived in lakewood new jersey and we were spending the summer Aunt Pauline, Aunt Rita and my mom Violet went to the store and Jerry had to mow the lawn and he and Ronnie were fighting over who would do it Jerry won and ran the lawn mower over his toe I ran in the house with him, he said its ok just a little cut and stuck his toe in the toilet to was the blood off. He was laughing and crying the same time . I was hysterical and Ronnie and somehow found his mom at the store and he went to the hospital. All us kids were traumatized and all Jerry would do is laugh and say its ok. So many stories so many memories. Love you Jerry and rest in peace. Cousin Christine
Robin Anspach
January 15, 2016
Welcome to the Memory Book of Jerry D. Rivera.On behalf of the family of Jerry D. Rivera, we would like to invite all his family and friends to join with us in celebrating his life. Please express any thoughts or fond memories you may have of Jerry here so that he may always remain in our hearts and minds. It is our hope that you will visit his memorial site and find peace and comfort here and enjoy a fun and wonderful trip down memory lane with us! We appreciate all your support at this sad time and many thanks and God bless to everyone who embraced his friendship and enjoyed his musical gifts during his time here on earth!With much appreciation and heartfelt thanks.The family of Jerry Rivera
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Robin Anspach
January 14, 2020
Hi Jerry, Happy New Year and Happy Birthday too! We all miss you and are sending love and New Year hugs to you and all of our loved ones up in Heaven. I was singing some Christmas songs over the holidays and was reminded of the time that we sang together for the Christmas Easter Seals Telethon. It was 1975 and mom had just passed away about 8 weeks before that Christmas Telethon. I was heart-broken and in half a daze back then, but you asked me to sing a Christmas song with you on stage for the telethon. I was very young of course and still very sad, because I missed Mom so much! You encouraged me to try a few songs by telling me that I could sing it for mom and that she would hear it up in heaven! When I look back on it now, I guess it worked because we practiced a few different songs and finally decided to sing "Silver Bells" for her. We rehearsed for several weeks with the band before the show and finally the big day arrived! I had on a new outfit and you wore a great looking gray suit for the show. I was so scared with stage-fright right before we performed the song, because I didn't want to mess it up! You were the host for the show and were so confident and comfortable with the stage and all of its surroundings! When you introduced me to the audience and said my name, there wasn't anything I could do but start walking toward you and the stage! LoL! I don't know how it happened, but we sang the song together and it all went great! Maybe mom was with us that day! Maybe it was a little bit of Christmas magic! I will always remember that great experience and how it inspired my love of singing and my love for music too!
You are always in our hearts!
love your sister Robin and family
Marianne Ott
November 28, 2017
I can't believe how much time has passed since we last talked, seems like yesterday. I thought of you this Thanksgiving, I spent the day at home with the cats and remembered 1 of our Thanksgivings together. You loved your turkey and potato filling and of course it had to be canned cranberry sauce, you didn't like my cranberry salad. I spent a long time cooking and it only took you 15 minutes to eat but 1 hour later you started all over again. I think the potato filling was your favorite. I hope you had plenty to eat in Heaven, I'm sure the cranberry sauce is canned. Will talk again, Love Ya,Marianne
Robin Anspach
December 26, 2016
Hi Jerry, Today is December 26th and it has been a year ago on the 23rd that our Heavenly Father called you home. I have been listening to the Christmas songs that you recorded over the years and have been reminded of so many memories of our childhood with Mom and Ronnie and Roger. Your beautiful renditions of "Silent Night" and "White Christmas" and "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" are so special to hear during this time of year. I hope you heard them playing up in heaven and could feel the love being sent to you and all of our loved ones up there. We have had another sad year since you have been gone, when the Lord called home our cousin Anthony and our cousin Tommy too. I hope you were there to greet them as the Lord called them home and that you are all together again just like during our childhood days. We all miss you and love you. You will always be in our hearts.
Your sister Robin and Family
Marianne Ott
December 24, 2016
Hello Jerry, So hard to believe it has been a year since you went away, yet seems like I just talked to you. I think of you often and wonder what we would have said to each other had I been able to see you before you left. I think I would say "I will Miss you terribly, You will Always be in my Heart and on my Mind, You will Never be Forgotten. Merry Christmas
Marianne Ott
January 30, 2016
Life is not measured by the Breaths you take,
But by the moments that take your Breath away
You took my Breath away the moment I met you
Life can be cruel and after years of the good and bad together our lives went down different paths and in 2000 we parted. But the Love was still there, Kept a secret "Always on My Mind", Always in My Heart. Because of the path I chose I could never let you know. I saw you again in 2005 on the day you were leaving for Texas, It was heartbreak all over. I knew I would never see you again. Your phone calls and friendship after you left were all I had. I watched you from afar on Facebook, Happy for you and the life you had made. Months ago my world came crashing down and I wanted to talk to my friend but I felt the time wasn't
right, so I waited. I was ready, hoping my friend would still be there for me. But I was too late, my friend is gone. You may have gone away, but I will Never Forget You and the Love We Shared. Rest In Peace My Jerry
Heaven is Waiting For Your Song
Jay Frisch
January 18, 2016
Jeeze - what can I say - a great loss - remember spending hours on phone helping him with computers and programs for audio and music - help create music cd's of his songs and videos and other technical stuff and also mixing in some piano playing into the song "Loving Man" since he loved the piano sound and he love the end result of the song - wish I could have talked to him before he passed - He will be greatly missed - RIP Jerry - My condolences sent to all those concerned - I will miss you cousin - I am so sad and so sorry to hear - Sending love and prayers to all :)
Tommy Dundas
January 17, 2016
If I were to tell you about all the memories I have of my cousin Jerry Rivera I could go on for days.
From the time I remember him and my brother Richard practicing in Richards apartment, all the way up to the time I spent with Jerry in Allentown when he was doing the You are the star show.
I especially remember the times of 1975 and 1976 when it seemed like I was always traveling with the band, on weekends and all summer long. Running ther Light Show for them or sometimes filling in on the drums from my cousin Roger when he got up to sing. I learned a lot about music and a lot about being on a road at the time.
Those days I spent with Jerry, my brother Richard, cousin Roger and cousin Johnny Russo. I will always remember.
God bless all of you, and RIP.
Patty Badali
January 16, 2016
To remember Jerry is to say that I've come to terms with his loss. I don't think I have done that yet, I think it is something that may take many many months or even longer for me to actually understand and come to terms with it. But everyday I wake up with it, thinking I'm going to get a call from him. So it's not a question of remembering Jerry, it's still coming to terms with him being gone..
Jerry Rivera at a gig in Kutztown, PA - Jerry singing at a gig in Kutztown, Pennsylvania. Submitted by Marianne Ott 03/04/2016.
March 5, 2016
Jerry at Medieval Times Dinner Show - Jerry having fun at Medieval Times Dinner Show Orlando, FL. Submitted By: Marianne Ott
February 22, 2016
JERRY RIVERA HOSTING SHOW. - Jerry Rivera with co-host Marianne Ott At Larry Holmes Commodore Inn-Phillipsburg, New Jersey. Submitted by Marianne Ott. 02/06/2016
February 7, 2016
Jerry After A Gig! - Jerry with Co-host Marianne-after a gig in Williamsport, Pa (Early 1990"s) Submitted by Marianne Ott 02/06/2016
February 7, 2016
Captain Jerry--All Aboard! - Jerry driving a pontoon boat at Walt Disney World, Florida. Submitted by Marianne Ott-02/04/2016
February 5, 2016
Jerry waving to the camera! - Jerry loved renting pontoons at Disney World-Submitted by Marianne Ott 02/04/2016
February 5, 2016
Jerry as a teenager with cousin Patty at Christmas.
January 17, 2016
Cousin Richards Wedding Day - Jerry At His Cousin Richards Wedding With The Crew. Submitted by Patty Badali.
January 17, 2016
Jerry giving a "Thumbs Up" to the camera.
January 17, 2016
Jerry With His Mother Pauline, Aunt Rita, Brother Roger and Cousin Patty
January 17, 2016
(12/1964) - Jerry as a teenager still healing from a serious toe injury
January 15, 2016
Jerry as a teenager with his cousin Rich - (1966)
January 15, 2016
Jerry Rivera smiling for the camera!
January 15, 2016
Jerry Rivera hosting musical entertainment for "Relay for Life' walk American Cancer Society (2007)
January 15, 2016
Jerry Rivera "Best of Texas" award show winner (2000)
January 15, 2016
Jerry Rivera "Best of Texas" award show (2000).
January 15, 2016
Jerry at home mixing music.
January 15, 2016
Jerry with his co-host Marianne at a "you are the star show" showcase.
January 15, 2016
Jerry camping with his sweet dog Mandy!
January 15, 2016
Jerry with cousin Tony, cousin Patty and family friend Luann at a family reunion about (2002)
January 15, 2016
Jerry Rivera shaking hands with country music legend Conway Twitty early 1970's
January 15, 2016
Jerry singing outside with brother Roger early 1980's
January 15, 2016
Jerry Rivera promo shot holding guitar 1970's
January 15, 2016
Jerry Rivera promo shot 1970's
January 15, 2016
Jerry practicing music with his cousin Richie and his brother Roger early 1980"s
January 15, 2016
Jerry as a teenager playing guitar while his cousin Richie plays the acordian
January 15, 2016
Jerry healing from a toe injury with his brother Roger.
January 15, 2016
Jerry with his cousin Patty and her younger brother Tommy at Easter about 1960
January 15, 2016
Jerry with his first girlfriend-a charmer even as a little boy!
January 15, 2016
Jerry with older brother Ronnie about 1954.
January 15, 2016
Jerry throwing snowballs with his mother Pauline and brother Roger!
January 15, 2016
Jerry sitting on Santa's lap with older brother Ronnie!
January 15, 2016
(1953) - Jerry posing with a book at about age 4
January 15, 2016
Jerry Rivera as a young child - (1950)
January 15, 2016
Jerry playing guitar at a solo performance during the early 1980's.
January 14, 2016
The Band "Times & Trouble". - Jerry Rivera, Richard Frisch and Roger Rivera. Submitted by Jay Frisch
January 18, 2016
Jerry With Cousin Ricky & Brother Roger. - Promo Picture Of The Band "Times In Trouble". Submitted by Jay Frisch.
January 18, 2016
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