Ivan Rivera Sr.

Apr 6, 1942 - Mar 12, 2025April 6, 1942 - March 12, 2025

Photo of Ivan

Show your support for Ivan and help keep our website free for grieving families.

🌲

No trees planted yet.

💐

Send fresh hand-delivered flowers.

Ivan Rivera Sr.

Apr 6, 1942 - Mar 12, 2025April 6, 1942 - March 12, 2025


Place of birth

Ponce, Puerto Rico

Most recently lived in

Virginia Beach, VA

Ivan's favorite hobbies

Cars, collecting trinkets and Cowboy belt buckles.

Ivan's favorite foods

Puerto Rican cuisine, especially relleno de papa, pasteles, arroz con gandules, bacalaitos

Favorite bands and musical artists

Ronnie Millsap, Hank Williams Jr., Javier Solís

Ivan's pets in life

He loved his dogs Redman & Bella

Ivan loved nothing more than

His family. He enjoyed family gatherings on Sundays and holidays.

Favorite place in the world

Puerto Rico. He was a proud Taino who never forgot his roots and where he came from.

Favorite TV shows

Old Black and White Westerns Bonanza, Gunsmoke, The Rifleman, Rawhide,The Cisco Kid & Big Valley

Favorite sports

Boxing

Ivan's siblings

Nilda Rivera, Tony Rivera, Benny Rivera and Lillian Rivera (deceased)

Ivan's children

Ivan Rivera Jr., Eric Rivera and Joshua Rivera

Ivan's grandchildren

8 grandchildren: Vanessa Rivera-Atangan, Anastasha Cools, Ivan Rivera III, Nicolas Rivera, Isaiah Fusco-Rivera, Talea Rivera, Ahmya Rivera, and Gabriel Rivera 7 great-grandchildren: Isabelle Atangan, Christian Atangan, Jaelen Cools, Mason Cools, Elliana Atangan, Alessandra Atangan and Ronin Atangan

Ivan’s nieces and nephews

Alberto Sosa, Arlene Sosa, Lillian Quiroz, Nereida Centeno, Damaso Serrano Jr., Monica Serrano, Anna Rivera (deceased) and their children.

Ivan’s Godchildren

Selina Arboleda and Christopher Olivier

Ivan's parents

Lydio Rivera and Maria Rivera (both deceased)

Obituary

With profound sadness, we share the passing of Ivan Rivera Sr., a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Ivan was known for his kindness, humor, and playful spirit—always ready with a joke or a prank to bring joy to those around him. He lived life to the fullest, with purpose and deep love for his family, whom he cherished above all else. Ivan was a devoted Catholic who was deeply rooted in the Church and steadfastly supported his wife, Zaida, through their shared faith.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Zaida Rivera, and his children, Ivan Rivera Jr. and his wife Shiela Rivera (deceased), Eric Rivera and his wife Jennifer Rivera, and Joshua Rivera and his wife Tearra Rivera. He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren: Vanessa Rivera-Atangan and her husband Freddie Atangan Jr., Anastasha Cools and her husband Stephan Cools, Ivan Rivera III, Nicolas Rivera, Isaiah Fusco-Rivera, Talea Rivera, Ahmya Rivera, and Gabriel Rivera, as well as his great-grandchildren: Isabelle Atangan, Christian Atangan, Jaelen Cools, Mason Cools, Elliana Atangan, Alessandra Atangan, and Ronin Atangan.

Ivan touched the lives of all who knew him in so many ways. He will be remembered as a strong-minded yet warm-hearted family man who spread joy and happiness wherever he went. His legacy of love and laughter will live on in the hearts of his family and friends forever.

Past ceremonies

Celebration of Life

Celebration of Life Mass

Plant a Tree in Ivan's memory

We'll plant real trees for you in Ivan's memory and display your contribution forever.

Ivan's Guestbook

All condolences, notes and wishes in this book of memories.

Ivan


Ivan's Photos

Ivan timeline of pictures, videos, audio and stories.

Select a photo to expand it and view its comments.

Ivan

Born on April 6, 1942

Ponce, Puerto Rico

Passed away on March 12, 2025

Virginia Beach, VA

What can you do?

Ivan
  • Send Consolence Flowers

    Show your support to Ivan's family and friends with an arrangement of flowers.