Cristobal Rivera-Flores was born in Bronx, New York to Felix Rivera-Rios and Rosaura Flores-Rodriguez. He passed away at the age of 62 on March 11, 2017 at Melech Hospice House in Tampa, Florida with his family by his side. He is preceded in death by his mother, Rosaura “Rosita” Flores, and his brother, Jose Rivera.
Family
He is survived by his daughter and son in law Cristina and Jose Lanzot; son Cristobal Rivera-Gonzalez; father Felix-Rivera, Sr. and brother, Felix Rivera, Jr., sisters Sylvia Rivera, Sonia Rivera, Delia Rivera, Iris Rivera and grandchildren Eva Lanzot and Annalise Lanzot.
Military
Sergeant First Class Rivera-Flores retired from the United States Army after nearly 21 years of service. At the time of his retirement he was eligible to wear the Army Service Ribbon, two National Defense Service Medals, six Army Good Conduct Awards, two Army Achievement Medals, five Army Commendation Medals, the NCO Professional Development Ribbon, four overseas service ribbon as well as his designation as an expert with the .38 pistol and M16 rifle.
Services
A private viewing for immediate family only is scheduled for Thursday, March 23, 2017 at 10:00 am at Veterans Funeral Care. A graveside memorial service is scheduled for Friday, March 24, 2017 at 3:00 pm at Florida National Cemetery with the United States Army providing military honors. Florida National Cemetery is located at 6502 SW 102nd Avenue Bushnell, Florida 33513.
Special Acknowledgements
The family would like to thank the staff at Florida Cancer Center for the outstanding care that was provided Cristobal during the 2 years he was under their care.
Friends and family are invited to share a memory and sign his guestbook below.
Cris welcomed us to the neighborhood when we moved to Tampa in 1993. The Air Force only left us there for three years, but I considered Cris a friend that was easy going, always had a smile for everyone, and I enjoyed talking to him. Condolences to everyone.
Mi mas sentido pesame a toda la familia
Words are not enough to heal the pain when we lose a loved one, the Rivera-Flores family is my family, I join with all of you, my love and condolences to all on behalf of my family. Cris, you now rest and have no pain, now you gather with mom and your brother Joe. May the peace of God hold you all together. Abrazos ❤🙏
Mi mas querido pesame a la Familia Rivera. Que Dios le de toda la Fortaleza que necesiten estos dificiles momentos. Cris el poco tiempo que lo conoci fue un gran ser humano siempre velo por sus hijos ,nietos y por mi hermano Jose siempre le estare agradecida por sis apoyos incondicionales. Que descanze en Paz no habra mas dolor solo estatra celebrando en el cielo con Dios y su familia. Amen 🙏
Cris was truly one of the most kind and giving souls I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing. He would give you the shirt off of his back if it meant he knew you would be taken care of. Seeing the love he had for his children and his relatives was simply a sight that made my heart swell. He gave to his country, he gave to his family and he gave to his friends. Anyone who knew him could agree that he truly was a man of great spirit and heart. I was a better person for knowing him and I wish his family strength in their time of their great loss. He was a man with values and he stood for those because they were important to him. Thank you for your service to not only your country but for being such a great father to your children and friend to us all.
Chris was our neighbor for 12yrs. We would come together in the front yard and talk about our undercover jokes and have lots of laughs. He was a great person. Our condolences go out to the family. Prayers for strength and comfort.