Juan Manuel Rivera

Rivera, Juan Manuel Juan Manuel Rivera left us to be with the Lord on June 12, 2011. He lost his battle with ALS. He was 53. Born in New Haven out of the union of Olga and Juan Rivera on August 19, 1957. He lived at Leeway Nursing Home, and prior to that lived in NYC until he became ill. After graduating from Richard C. Lee High School he moved to NY and became a department store window decorator and also did home improvements. He met Keith Haring a pop artist in 1985 and they traveled the world and met a lot of celebrity's. Juan wrote a book about his life in 2007. By nature Juan was a sensitive, giving and loving person. He touched many lives and his door was always open to those who could not help themselves. He volunteered for many organizations in NYC. Juan had a beautiful smile until the end. He leaves behind his parents Juan and Olga, his brothers Robert and Carmen, his sister Nilda, Janet, Vilma, Olga and Marlo, 23 nieces and nephews, 37 great nieces and nephews, one great great niece, and many friends. The family fulfilled his wishes to have his remains spread throughout Central Park. He will be missed and will always be in our hearts.