Obituary published on Legacy.com by Circle of Life Funeral Home on Mar. 6, 2024.
Victor Rivera, known affectionately as "Gordo" to his loved ones, was a man of many virtues. Born on January 3, 1947, in Aibonito, Puerto Rico, Victor lived a life that was as vibrant and spirited as his birthplace. He was a funny soul whose laughter could light up a room, a loyal companion who stood by his loved ones in times of need, and a courageous individual who never backed down from a challenge. His love for life was infectious, and his presence was a source of joy for everyone around him. As Mark Twain once said, "The secret of success is making your vocation your vacation." Victor lived this philosophy to the fullest, turning his love for billiards and baseball into lifetime achievements, becoming a Billiards Champion and an accomplished baseball player. Victor spent his life in various places, from Cayey, Puerto Rico, to
Brooklyn, New Jersey,
Lebanon, Pennsylvania, and finally settling in
Camden, New Jersey. Each place held a piece of his heart, filled with memories of his love for sports, his dedication to his faithful dogs Linda, Canelo, Gordo, and Wee Wee, and his passion for the thrill and excitement of casinos. However, the most significant part of Victor's life was his family. His unwavering love and loyalty to his wife, Rosalina Mercado, his children, and his grandchildren were his greatest accomplishments. He treasured each moment spent with them, and their happiness was his ultimate reward. Victor is survived by his loving wife, Rosalina, his devoted son, Victor Mercado, his cherished daughters Lourdes Olivencia, Lissette Rivera, and Violeta Rivera, his adored grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his caring mother, Maria Vasquez. Victor was predeceased by his beloved father, Rafael Rivera, and his grandsons, Sergio Rivera and Najee Rivera. A viewing will be held on Saturday, March 9, 2024, at 9:00 am EST at the Macedonia Baptist Church, located at 351 High Street,
Westville, New Jersey, 08093. A celebration of Victor's life will follow at 10:30 am EST at the same venue. As we gather to remember Victor's remarkable life, we invite you to share your memories and photos on his memorial page as a tribute to his enduring spirit. As Victor once said, "Life is like a game of billiards, you need to play each shot with precision and anticipate the next." May we all strive to live with the same courage, spirit, and joy that Victor exemplified throughout his life.Victor Rivera, known affectionately as "Gordo" to his loved ones, was a man of many virtues. Born on January 3, 1947, in Aibonito, Puerto Rico, Victor lived a life that was as vibrant and spirited as his birthplace. He was a funny soul whose laughter could light up a room, a loyal companion who stood by his loved ones in times of need, and a courageous individual who never backed down from a challenge. His love for life was infectious, and his presence was a source of joy for everyone around him. As Mark Twain once said, "The secret of success is making your vocation your vacation." Victor lived this philosophy to the fullest, turning his love for billiards and baseball into lifetime achievements, becoming a Billiards Champion and an accomplished baseball player.
Victor spent his life in various places, from Cayey, Puerto Rico, to
Brooklyn, New Jersey,
Lebanon, Pennsylvania, and finally settling in
Camden, New Jersey. Each place held a piece of his heart, filled with memories of his love for sports, his dedication to his faithful dogs Linda, Canelo, Gordo, and Wee Wee, and his passion for the thrill and excitement of casinos. However, the most significant part of Victor's life was his family. His unwavering love and loyalty to his wife, Rosalina Mercado, his children, and his grandchildren were his greatest accomplishments. He treasured each moment spent with them, and their happiness was his ultimate reward.
Victor is survived by his loving wife, Rosalina, his devoted son, Victor Mercado, his cherished daughters Lourdes Olivencia, Lissette Rivera, and Violeta Rivera, his adored grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his caring mother, Maria Vasquez. Victor was predeceased by his beloved father, Rafael Rivera, and his grandsons, Sergio Rivera and Najee Rivera.
As we gather to remember Victor's remarkable life, we invite you to share your memories and photos on his memorial page as a tribute to his enduring spirit. As Victor once said, "Life is like a game of billiards, you need to play each shot with precision and anticipate the next." May we all strive to live with the same courage, spirit, and joy that Victor exemplified throughout his life.