Jose Carlos Rivera-Perez was born on March 19, 1940 in Vieques, Puerto Rico to Emiliano Rivera and Juana Perez. He passed away on September 25, 2016 at Northside Hospital in Pinellas Park, Florida at the age of 76. He is survived by his sons Jose Carlos Rivera, Jr. of Rivergrove, IL, Jose Orlando Rivera-Sierra of Nicholson, PA, Jose Alberto Rivera of Chicago, IL; daughters Sheila Peraza of Virginia Beach, VA, Ana Luz Pabon of Rockford, IL; brother Mariano Rivera of Chicago, IL; sisters Marta Tolentino of Orlando, Florida, Iris Rivera of Pinellas Park, Florida, Mercedes Rivera of San Juan, Puerto Rico; and 18 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.
Sergeant Rivera-Perez served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War era and was qualified to wear the Good Conduct Medal and his designation as a sharpshooter with the M-14 and the M1 on his uniform. A memorial service with military honors provided by the United States Army is scheduled for Wednesday, September 28, 2016 at 3:00 pm at Bay Pines National Cemetery in Bay Pines, Florida.
In lieu of flowers the family has requested that memorial contributions be made to the Disabled American Veterans (DAV).
Friends and family are invited to share a memory and sign his guestbook below.
I will miss you so much!!! Your smile and jokes…seeing you around my parents house. You were a great man with a heart of gold. RIP Tio Kiko…we love you Yara, Gabriella and Camila.
Kiko was an awesome man who loved his grandchildren dearly. He was always a happy man. I will miss him. May God bless his family in this difficult time.
I was blessed with the best father-in-law ever. A man that was well loved and respected by many. I’m so thankful for the times I had with him and grateful that he raised such a great man to be my husband. I will always cherish the memories we made, especially hearing his funny phrases. The one he would always say to me was “Who are you” then I would get my hug and kiss. Kiko, I’m going to miss you so much. May you rest in peace. Love always, your daughter-in-law Wanda
I pray for God’s peace over your family Kiko, the ones that are left behind hurting for your loss. May the Lord fill that emptiness with beautiful memories you created with them together. I’m certain you will never be forgotten. May the Lord bless your soul and may you rest in peace. Heavenly Father cover Kikos children with your Love and Mercy. God bless you!
The love that he showed was unconditional always! If you were family by blood or family by association his door was always open! Memories of playing dominoes watching you guys just be you in your kitchen or hanging out on pierce and Homan it always felt like home! Kiko you will be missed as is your loving wife. You’ll always be in our hearts as one of the best couples! I’m bleseed to have had known you both! Que descansen en paz! Amor a todos.
Kiko was an amazing happy man, loved his wife, loved his children and their children. It’s sad that he isn’t here with us but he is with his love in heaven and that makes all of us happy. I couldn’t have asked for a better Godfather. I’ll miss him and so will my mom. I’ll never forget what he would tell me every time I would see him, cuida a tu mai por que a ella la tienes que querer y cuidar mucho por que Mai sola ay una. Rest in peace Padrino
We are very sorry for your loss. We love Pancho and know how sad he is to lose his dad. We pray that you can all find comfort in being together. With sympathy and love…
Sandy and Arthur, Molly’s parents
Ana Luz Pabon Rivera
He was one of a kind as he served his country , he was a brother, uncle ,god father, grand father, great grand father, husband, neighbor, friend , all this he was and of course a wonderful father, I am going to miss him, but will never be forgotten , lost of memories that were shared , always doing something if it wasn’t fishing , soup making ,making fish nets or making bowls out of coconuts and having a blast playing dominoes , that was our Father, Love You till next time !
Many of our childhood memories include you Kiko you were a wonderful man.. A second dad to many myself included and a wonderful person. We will cherish your memories all the times you made us laugh on Pierce.. We will never forget you and will always love you. Until we meet again! Love you always Tito and Kathy
Yo!Honor and privilege to have known Kiko,and being a part of my life growing up on Pierce spending time at his house with his late wife Luz and his kids playing pool in the basement. When he was about to sink in the eight ball and beat you he would always say “Got a fish on the hook “. A hard working man who provided not only for his family but for those who were in need. May the Holy Spirit of God comfort us and keep the memories we each shared with Kiko close to our hearts and thoughts.
Kiko I have good memories of Kiko, I don’t think I ever saw him angry always very kind and the home open to everyone as if you were in your own house, you always felt right at home. Luz his wife always had great food to offer everyone. The saying is very true it is the kindness and the hospitality that is most remembered. We love you and may you now rest in peace belong with your loving wife Luz.
I will miss you grandpa! There’s not a moment that goes by that I havent thought about you since you passed. I just want to thank you for raising my dad(fro). He’s as strong as you were and he looked up to you as I look up to him. I will continue to stay strong for him and family. You made us all who we are today and I love you! I can never forget the times we shared from me being a kid watching tv too close and you pulling my ear. You would somehow fall asleep holding your bowl of soup or a beer in your hand and somehow never spilled it. I have never witnessed you sleeping on a bed it was always a recliner chair. Everything you did was (kiko style) because no one did things the way you did. Our family and friends all miss you and we love you! You will never be forgotten.
-love your grandson johnathan
Kiko left too early as did Luz. Part of what drew me to my husband was his family, some of the most hospitable people I have ever met and they never talked bad about others. Kiko had a big presence about him and even though he always put his gingers in the birthday cakes I will never forget how generous and kind he always was.
Our deepest condolences. May you forever watch over your children and grandchildren. You will always be missed Mr. Jose. My love for your daughter and her family is all possible because of you. You raised remarkably strong children who adored you endlessly. RIP Mr. Jose..
When I got word of Kiko’s passing I felt like I lost my own dad. My heart was broken, I had just seen him on facebook fishing with Berto. All the memories of Pierce at his house, never have I met anyone as jovial and endearing. The same goes for Luz. They opened their doors to all with love and you felt such a comfort with them.Rest in Peace Kiko I will never forget your smile.God bless you.
Another chapter in the book of the Rivera’s has closed. So many memories we shared, so many families and friends that were there, are now mourning your journey to a new place. God loved you and you did so much in this world that he wanted you to be with him now. I still cry for our loved ones, and I am still crying for you my Kiko, you will never be forgotten and will always be in my heart. I. Thank you for being my Dad.