Emiliano Rivera

Emiliano Rivera Jr., a cherished son, husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, and friend passed away peacefully at his residence in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, on October 13, 2025, at the age of 74. Born on June 7, 1951, in the beautiful town of Corozal, Puerto Rico, Emiliano's life was a testament to the strength and warmth of his spirit, which he carried with him from the sunny shores of his birthplace to the community he loved in Pennsylvania. Emiliano is survived by his devoted wife of 53 years, Norma I. (Lopez) Rivera, and their loving children: Maria Rivera, Ismael Rivera, Esteban Rivera and his spouse Myrnaly, Damarilis Rivera, Amarilis Rivera, Joel Rivera, and Armando Rivera and his spouse Nicole. He was a proud grandfather to 14 grandchildren Felix, Emiliano, Delilah, Christopher, Lillyan, Joseph, Jillian, Armando Jr., Noah, Sebastian, Jazmin, Zoey, Laylah and Esteban Jr. along with many nephews and nieces who will carry his legacy forward with fond memories and stories of their times together. Emiliano's life was also enriched by his siblings: Minerva Fuliu, Alfredro Rivera, Lourdes Rivera, Sol Rivera, Jesus Rivera, Ana Rivera, Ivette Rivera, Carmen Rivera Perez, Frances Rivera, Miguel Rivera, Victor Rivera, and Luis Rivera. He also left behind his beloved dog Kiko. He was predeceased by his father, Emiliano Rivera, his mother, Juanita Pastrana, and his brother, Juan Rivera. After leaving Puerto Rico, Emiliano dedicated his life to his family. To his friends and family, he was known as KIN a nick name they called his father as well. He had a career in landscaping and dedicated many years of service as a custodian at a Hunterdon Sate Hospital in New Jersey. His true career was auto mechanic. He had a passion for working on cars. He was always the go to mechanic to all his family and friends. His hands were rarely still, as he was also very handy and could often be found fixing something around the house or helping a neighbor in need. Emiliano's grew up with a strong Catholic faith that was routed in him by his father and mother. His commitment to his faith was evident in the way he lived his life and, in the love, he showed to his family and friends. Emiliano was also a man of many interests and talents. His laughter was contagious, the wisdom, and the warmth of his company will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. Emiliano Rivera's life was a beautiful tapestry of love, hard work, and commitment to those around him. He leaves behind a legacy of love and the memory of a life well-lived. His memory will forever be etched in the hearts of those who loved him, and his spirit will continue to guide them in the years to come. Services: A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 A.M. on Friday, October, 17, 2025 at Holy Infancy Catholic Church- 312 E. Fourth Street, Bethlehem, PA 18015, where family and friends may pay their respects from 9 A.M. until the start of the service. Emiliano's services have been entrusted to Cantelmi Long Funeral Home, Bethlehem. A memory tribute may be placed at www.cantelmifuneralhome.com. Contributions: In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Emiliano's name to Holy Infancy Catholic Church- 312 E. Fourth Street, Bethlehem, PA 18015. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Emiliano, please visit our floral store.