Name: Visitation for Pablo Rivera
Start: 2014-09-03T20:00:00.000Z
End: 2014-09-03T22:00:00.000Z
Location: Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions - East Orlando Chapel

Rivera, Pablo Pablo E. Rivera, 53, of Orlando passed away on Aug. 28, 2014. Pablo was born on February 20, 1961 in San Juan, P.R. He graduated from Rice University in Houston, TX. Pablo was an Orchestra Director and Spanish Teacher at Liberty Middle School in Orlando. Pablo is survived by his wife, Milena Rivera; daughters, Paola Rivera, Nashali Rivera, Gabriela Prado and Milexis Prado; Parents, Luis Rafael Rivera and Lydia Garcia; grandson, Axton Turner; brother, Luis Rafael Rivera Jr.; sisters, Ileana Manzano and Marly Andino.Visitation will be held from 4:00-6:00 PM on Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2014 in the Chapel of Newcomer Funeral Home, 895 S. Goldenrod Road, Orlando 32822.

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Published by Orlando Sentinel on Aug. 31, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Pablo Rivera

Sponsored by The Orlando Sentinel.

61 Entries

Abby

September 3, 2025

Mr. Rivera, your legacy will never be forgotten. It has been nearly 2 decades since you've been my music teacher back in elementary school, but I still remember the kindness you shared and your amazing sense of humor. I still often regret not talking with you more, hopefully one day I will be able to.

Milena Rivera

February 20, 2024

You would have been 63 years old today. I think I will miss you and know I will love you forever. Hope you´re singing and enjoying heaven with Darlene today. Love you both.
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Milena

August 28, 2023

"Thinking of the day that you went away...I´ll be missing you." Yet another year of missing you...that place deep inside will never fully heal. May I figure out how to use my time here to make even a fraction of the difference you made in the lives you touched to finish what I have to do in this life before "we meet again."

Lucas Tran

October 15, 2022

Mr. Rivera, you sparked something inside of me I didn´t know I was looking for. You truly opened my eyes to the beauty and complexity of music. You showed me and my classmates how it can truly connect everyone with a feeling. I was a very quiet and shy kid but I never felt neglected in your class. You taught me to never hide my gifts and for that I will always be grateful. When we got the news you passed it was heartbreaking. I felt like I lost a dear friend. I respected you so much when you were here, but my appreciation has only grown stronger as I´ve gotten older. Thank You for being the most influential teacher I´ve ever had and may you rest in paradise.

Rikki Rivera Soto

August 26, 2021

Dad, I miss you so much everyday. I wish your grandson had memories with you. I have your granddaughter on the way now. I'm currently 19 weeks. I'll put a photo of both your grandkids together once she is born next to you. She would have loved you. Axton would have loved you. I hope your private musical Island is all you ever imagined and wanted. We'll meet again some day Dad. I love you so much. Give my grandma a hug and a kiss for me please. Rest in peace.
Your child and grandbabies.

Soraya

August 25, 2021

Pablo, you have left such a beautiful memory in our hearts! Never forgotten!

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August 29, 2020

“You used to captivate me by your resonating light
Now, I'm bound by the life you left behind.”

Julisa Dunlop

August 27, 2020

I cannot believe four years have passed, and I know that he was a great teacher. He touched a lot of students and was a friendly coworker. He is missed and rest in peace.

Joanna Cardoso

March 29, 2020

Hello... it's been such a long while. I don't know what to say, there's just too much. I miss you. I'm upset that I couldn't thank you for the gifts you gave me... there were so many. You gave me my passion: drumming, you gave me my confidence, you gave me my voice, you let others see me when I felt invisible, you answered the door every single time I knocked while all the other kids and teachers were heading home. You were just there, all the time. You always felt like an angel in so many ways. Like you were sent here with the purpose of seeking out dim lights and showing them how bright they were meant to shine. You knew just what to say, you always made everyone laugh, you loved what you did and you couldn't hide that even if you tried! You inspired us all. You made a bunch of booger eating fourth graders love and respect music in a way that was so genuine that we all took that with us to cherish for the rest of our lives. When I first got on that drum set in your class room, I met myself. It was incredible, kind of supernatural. But I picked up those drum sticks and whacked away and your eyes opened wide with excitement. You cheered me on from the very first day. That very first day I went to your classroom after school and asked to play... you jammed out with me for what? Two whole hours? Thank you. Thank you for liking my cargo pants and converse and thinking it was cool that I brought my skateboard everywhere when all the other girls made fun of me. You don't know what you did to that little girl's spirit. You showed her she was not only good enough just the way she was, but she could really rock!!! I think it's clear you changed my life from the very moment I met you. If it couldn't be more obvious, you're still on my mind to this very day. You're making awesome music in heaven, huh? I don't doubt it for one second that you're telling jokes and organizing sky-wide concerts at the same time. I'm so thankful to God for the opportunity to have been found and seen by you. God bless you always and your daughters and your whole family.

- Your drummer girl.

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August 28, 2018

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August 28, 2018

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August 28, 2018

Rikki Rivera

August 27, 2018

Dad.... I miss you so much.... Four long years.... The more time passes the more I miss you.... It's so hard... It hurts so much..

September 15, 2017

I love him

My favorite man, for you.

Dylan Monterola

September 15, 2017

I dont remember you but i still sing your song. IMAGINE A PLACE, A POSITIVE PLACE, WHERE FRIENDS ARE LOYAL AND TRUE, WHERE IF YOU BELIEVE... ETC

Danniell F

February 22, 2016

R.I.P Mr. Rivera you where the best teacher ever. I will remember all the memories and good times we had at Castle Creek. I will miss you. Also Happy Belated Birthday.

Love, Danniell

jahayra jara

February 20, 2016

today february 20 is Mr. Rivera birthday and i bet he having so mucch fun in heaven i miss Mr. Rivera so much he was the best Teeacher in the whole wide world i had Mr. Rivera For 2 years and 2 weeks and from the day they told us that Mr. Rivera had passed away and still today i can't believe he is in heaven.

Natalie Romero

February 18, 2016

I had an opportunity to be one of your students and I, among others, have the great pleasure to say that you sparked a fire in me. My passion for music grew and you helped me discover hidden potential that I had inside of me but after you left, I lost it. To this day, I still think of the little things and I regret being so closed up because it prevented me from being able to spend more time with you and if I knew that time would be so limited, I would have changed a lot of things. I miss you a lot and I'm happy to say that I've rediscovered that potential and I'm going to everything I can to make you proud! I love and miss you a lot! and I made sure to "try, try again."

Rest In Peace, Mr.Rivera

Love, Natalie Romero

February 16, 2016

We will always remember the BEST Orchestra teacher I've EVER had I'm SO lucky that I even had you as a teacher It's a shame you had to leave us so soon unto the year. I love and miss you!

Xoxo, Kaylee B.

Natura Non Facit Saltum!!

Jahayra Jara

September 18, 2015

It's has been a year seen you passed away i miss you alot Mr. Rivera its been so hard to visit liberty and go to your room and not see you and see you with a big smile on your face and never get mad always smiling.

Kaylee B.

May 19, 2015

Mr.Rivera was the best teacher ever he never quit on us even if we were TERRIBLE, Natura Non Facit Saltum ! R.I.P Heaven gained a new angel.

Nashali Rivera

March 16, 2015

Hello, I am Pablo Rivera's youngest daughter. I love and miss you daddy. I hope you can see how much I do love you. I know things weren't great with us but in the end you will always be my daddy. I miss you so much.

Mrs. Cassandra Kent

December 11, 2014

I'm a Rice University employee who just discovered that Pablo has gone home. 10 years ago, he sent me his book "Listening" with a note of thanks for some help I gave him while here at Rice. Today I looked up at this book with the intention of seeking him out to say hello and let him know that he was not forgotten. I will still look up at this book with fond memories of a wonderful young man that I had the priviledge to meet; but now my smile knows that he made a fantastic mark on so many other lives along the way. Peace be still and Prayers to his family, friends and former students.

Julitsa Gonzalez

October 6, 2014

I remember the last concert we had... You enjoyed it and had a good time....I didn't think you'd leave forever though....But everything happened for a reason.... Your death made me more serious and made me understand life isn't easy. It made me a better person and cellist... Even Though You're gone,....you're still my best friend.... friend....

Neijerelis De Leon

September 8, 2014

Always so humble, so inspiring. Truly will never forget Mr. Rivera and the words he shared with us.

Nelly Marcano

September 5, 2014

No one can prepare us for a loss of a loved one, but we need to take comfort in knowing that Pablo is now resting in the arms of our Lord. It was impressive the love that was demonstrated to him and his family on Wednesday. The pain of his daughters and students was heart breaking. May the Lord give everyone comfort and the strenght that is needed to cope with such a sad farewell. My most deepest condolences to his wife, daughters, and rest of the family and friends. RIP Mr. Pablo Rivera

Lizett Montano

September 4, 2014

My prayers are with the family, may God give you the strength to accept Pablo's departure from your lives.
I had the pleasure to meet Pablo when he was interviewed and hired as the Orchestra Director at Liberty. Being the principal's secretary gave me the opportunity to be his first contact with the school and I thank God for it...what a great, caring person! RIP Mr. Rivera.

Priscilla Colon

September 3, 2014

For me was an honor and a privilege knowing Pablo Rivera. His memories will always live in my heart and I will miss him. “It will be the little things that you will remember, the quiet moments, the smiles, the laughter, and although it may seem hard right now, it will be the memories of these little things that help to push away the pain and bring the smiles back again.” I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family.”
Psalm 73:26
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.
Priscilla Colon

Jayde-Marie Crowell Disla

September 3, 2014

Will always cherish the lessons learned from you. Will take music as far as i can take it. May God be with you adn yours always.

Jojilda Julian Dilone

September 3, 2014

My daughter Jayde-Marie Crowell has had alot of trouble accepting this tragic lost. Rivera was her only favorite teacher at Liberty, she always said " Mom, he is the only teacher that makes learning fun and he is always telling to to use more bow, more bow and now he is gone. My deepest condolences to his family. We nicknamed him " More Bow, More Bow"

Maricristy & Andres Alvarez

September 3, 2014

Mr. Rivera taught my son how to play the Violin & helped him in so many ways when he was in Liberty Middle School. He was truly a GREAT Orchestra teacher. Our condolence goes out to his family, students, teachers & all his friends. He will truly be missed by so many! R.I.P Mr. Rivera

Mr. Michael McNealey

September 3, 2014

To the Rivera family,
May your memories give you peace and comfort. You'll are in my thoughts and prayers.

Richard and Soraya Smith

September 3, 2014

Pablo was a inspiration to us all. Know that he impacted the lives of many. I can not shake the songs he composed from my memory especially the "Castle Creek theme song". What a magical year that was. He left such great memories and was a blessing to us all. Sending Love from our family to yours...we pray for your continuous peace.

Carolina Santiago

September 3, 2014

God Bless him he was a wonderful teacher.He taught us a lot.Our condolences go to his family.

Blanca Flores

September 2, 2014

"For some reason; reason that only time will tell... YOU came and left my son's life, giving him the opportunity to venture out of his comfort zone to complete his musical, educational and professional circle; the one God has prepared before the Beginning of Time. Thank you for making my son a memorable 2011-12 School year at Liberty Middle in Orlando, FL.”

Alejandro Caballero

September 2, 2014

Mr.Rivera was a great virtuous man who spoke of beauty and greatness he said it was in you and it was in him the beauty in the divine soul and so he is now in heaven with Gif and Jesus. May the Holy Spirit be with his family in this time of sorrow. I was one of his students before he passed away.

Blanca Flores

September 2, 2014

Por alguna razón, en la que solo el tiempo explicará, usted entró y salió de la vida de mi único hijo, dándole la oportunidad de aventurar fuera de su "confort zone" en la música y así completar el circulo musical, educativo y profesional que Dios tiene preparado de antemano para Él. Gracias por un 2011-12 inolvidable para mi hijo en Liberty Middle.

Natalie Sousse

September 2, 2014

Mr. Rivera was always a very passionate person always with a positive attitude. He would always tell me "Don't overthink you 'll create a problem that was not even there. Rest in Peace Mr.Rivera.

Joshwa Matos

September 2, 2014

Thanks for leaving a legacy for our kids. May god watch over yiur family

Jan Dodd

September 2, 2014

God has taken you from this world too soon. Your kindness, your warmth, your smile and the love you showed to all of those around you will live in our hearts and memories forever. God Speed Pablo. You will be missed by all.

Lisa Schurr

September 2, 2014

Pablo brought music, passion, and laughter into so many lives. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this time.

September 2, 2014

He was a great teacher and friend he would make us laugh and inspired us he was everything you could imagine he was great to us at liberty middle school he is in a better place heaven is healing he lived a legacy and he will always live in our hearts Thank you for teaching us you were a great person......."

Melina Quiroscabrera

September 2, 2014

Mr. Rivera was always very positive and he always knew what to say. He always saw something in everyone and he knew that everyone can do anything. He was very inspiring and many people love him for who he was. We should keep him in our hearts and be happy for what he has done.
God bless his heart and his family.

Sahgie Moses

September 2, 2014

Rest in peace, Mr. Rivera.

Carolina Santiago

September 2, 2014

God Bless him he was a wonderful teacher.He taught us a lot.Our condolences go to his family.

Abigail Mercado

September 2, 2014

I love you Mr.Rivera. Thank you for teaching me all I know

September 2, 2014

Prayers and condolences to the Rivera family. May God Bless you!

Mr. Rolando Bailey (Former principal, Liberty Middle School)

Cecilia Milanés

September 2, 2014

The Milanés Family sends our deepest sympathies. Pablo was an amazing creative spirit who infused his students with the joy and love for music he embodied.

Natasha Williams

September 2, 2014

Pablo was a passionate educator and an amazing presence - He will be missed dearly by his Liberty Middle School Family. My dearest sympathies to his family. God Bless.

September 2, 2014

Earth has no sorry that HEAVEN cannot HEAL!
May you find comfort and peace during this hour of bereavement. May God richly bless you.

Mrs. Tazzie Brown (Liberty Middle School/Freedom High School)

September 2, 2014

Earth has no sorrow that HEAVEN cannot HEAL.
May you find strength and peace during this difficult hour. God bless you!

Mrs. Tazzie Brown (Liberty Middle School/Freedome High School)

September 2, 2014

Pablo was multi-talented and freely shared his gifts with others. It has been years since he and I worked together, but he often took the time to send me a kind word of encouragement. I will miss his friendship.

Joy Taylor

September 1, 2014

Dear Family,

The news of my dear cousin's departure has caused me a great shock and so much sadness. We have lost a great young man, a lively soul that filled our lives with music and laughter. My family mourns the loss of a wonderful human being. We shall all pray for Pablo's journey to the other side, where at some point we shall all meet again to continue smiling, embracing, and making music with the beings of light.

May God bless you all and bring you peace, for life brings us together and tears us apart.

God has a plan, and we must accept his will and maintain purity in our hearts as we all pray for Pablito's soul as he reaches for heaven.

Love and peace,
Walter Bregon and Family

Alejandro Caballero

September 1, 2014

Me.Rivera was a great virtuous man who talked of virtue and Beauty and is now with The Lord .

Alejandro Caballero

September 1, 2014

Lord bless Pablo Rivera my orchestra teacher who is now in the great heaven he talked about to be happy eternally my name is Alejandro Caballero

September 1, 2014

Our deepest condolences from the Baez-Mendoza Family to the Rivera Family for the unexpected loss of Pablo. We know the pain you are enduring at this moment, having us loss two of our loved ones unexpectedly on the same day about a year ago. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless.