Hector Rivera

RIVERA, Dr. Hector Luis "Hector" or "Papi" 76, of Tampa, passed on Jan. 9, 2012, with his wife of over 36 years, Debra C. Rivera. Hector was born on Aug. 18, 1935, in Santurce, Puerto Rico, the son of the late Juan B. and Ana Rivera. In 1953, he graduated high school from Colegio San Jose' in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, where he played volleyball and soccer. He then went to the University of Dayton in Ohio, graduating in 1957. Hector continued his education at Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine where he graduated in 1961. In 1962, he began a successful private medical practice as a family physician in Tampa's Town N' Country area. Shortly thereafter, he founded a group practice in Town N' Country with Dr. Ruben Valdes and Dr. Gaetano Urso. Following that, he went on to form AMI Walk-In Emergency Clinics throughout the Tampa Bay area. He returned to solo practice, beloved by his many patients until his retirement in 2007. Dr. Rivera was a person of love who cherished his patients as not only their doctor but as a friend to each. He was a long time member of the Krewe of the Knights of Sant' Yago, the Latin American Medical Society, the Palma Ceia Golf and Country Club and Avila Golf and Country Club. He was an avid supporter of his son, Hector Joseph Rivera's sports and professional endeavors. No matter where or when, he was at the game and both his distinctive accent and whistle could be heard by all. He loved the game of golf, traveling, and spending time with his family, especially his "Buddies", Hudson and Hector Geoffrey. He enjoyed life and brought joy to all others in his presence. He is survived by his children, Hector Joseph (Hadley), Steven (Michelle), Tony (Jeanne) and Kimberly. "Papi" is also survived by his grandchildren, Hector Geoffrey, Hudson Joseph, Nicholas, Nicole, Anthony, Alexandra, Alex and Haley; his brothers, Dr. Jose J. Rivera, Francisco Rivera and Carlos Rivera, along with many nephews and nieces. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday afternoon, Jan. 16, at 1 o'clock at St. Lawrence Catholic Church, 5225 N. Himes Ave., with the family receiving friends from 11 am until time of mass at the church. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family would like for everyone to consider a donation to the All Children's Hospital- Pulmonary CF, 500 7th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701.