It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved father, Jose R. Rivera, who departed from this world on July 4, 2025, at the age of 76. Jose was a devoted father to nine children: Mayra, Evie, Alex, Karen, Jonathan, Katherine, Brayan, Jake, and Kimberly. He shared over 20 years of his life with Lourdes Ivette Rivera, the mother of his children.
Born in Barranquilla, Puerto Rico, Jose lived a life filled with both challenges and triumphs. He was a complex man, shaped by a rich and varied past, yet he consistently displayed a big heart and an unwavering commitment to his family. Jose's faith in God was a cornerstone in his life, guiding him through joyous and difficult times. His trust in the word of God was evident in every aspect of his life.
Jose's love for his children was boundless; he did everything he could to provide for them with the resources he had. He had a passion for good food and enjoyed sharing meals and laughter with those he loved. His wonderful sense of humor brought smiles and warmth to everyone around him, creating lasting memories that will be treasured.
Jose will be remembered for his profound love for God and his family, as well as his passionate dedication to preaching the word of God, even during the most challenging times in his life. He will also be remembered for his infectious sense of humor that brought joy to those around him. We take comfort in knowing that he is in a better place with Jesus and is no longer suffering.
A service to celebrate Jose's life will be held Thursday, July 10, 2025, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm at West Durham Baptist Church located at 1901 Athens Avenue Durham, North Carolina. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to his funeral fund by contacting Karen Rodriguez at 919-225-5422.
Love you Dad. Will always be in our thoughts and in our hearts. I know that one day will see each other again. Ty for all our conversations and wisdom you shared with me. Love you and may God continue to bless and work in our family. ❤️❤️💯
I'm so sorry to hear of the passing of Jose Rivera. In reading, I can see how he was such a great man and had so much love for his children. Again, my condolences to the family and friends of Jose Rivera. Chenese Williams
I love you welo, I can't wait for us to have more time together once I see you again when I get my wings. Thank you for giving me my big family❤️
Sending my condolences
Thank you for Sharing your story. I'm so sorry for your loss. Sending love and peace your way
Dear Dad,
I will always miss you, regardless of anything in this world that could've gone wrong. One thing I know is that you embedded the love of God in us, and we will continue to love you strongly. I will always remember the fun times you tried to give us, allowing us to live the most normal life possible with what we had.
As a child, I remember moments of you in pain, but more so, I remember your efforts as a father and husband, doing your best despite your struggles with thoughts, doubts, and fears. The moments we sat together as a family, laughing and having fun, are unforgettable. I cherish memories of you teaching us to fish, providing for us, and letting us be kids.
Our travels without a map, exploring surroundings, and the times I helped you, are moments I hold dear. I appreciate that my children got to meet you and spend special moments with you. The day you blew the shofar horn, saying it represented the sound of Jesus coming, is a memory we continue to honor.
I know you're with God, and one day we'll rise and see each other again. I'm thankful for the time we had, and I'm grateful that God allowed my children to know you. We will always remember the special moments we shared, and we will continue to love you strongly.
Love,❤️ Katherine Translation
Querido papi,
Siempre te voy a extrañar, sin importar lo que haya podido salir mal en este mundo. Una cosa que sé es que incrustaste el amor de Dios en nosotros, y seguiremos amándote con fuerza. Siempre recordaré los momentos divertidos que trataste de darnos, permitiéndonos vivir la vida más normal posible con lo que teníamos. De niño, recuerdo momentos en los que estabas en dolor, pero más que nada, recuerdo tus esfuerzos como padre y esposo, haciendo lo mejor a pesar de tus luchas con pensamientos, dudas y miedos. Los momentos que pasamos juntos como familia, riendo y divirtiéndonos, son inolvidables. Atesoro los recuerdos de ti enseñándonos a pescar, proveyendo para nosotros y dejándonos ser niños. Nuestros viajes sin un mapa, explorando los alrededores, y las veces que te ayudé, son momentos que guardo con cariño. Aprecio que mis hijos pudieron conocerte y pasar momentos especiales contigo. El día que tocaste el shofar, diciendo que representaba el sonido de Jesús viniendo, es un recuerdo que seguimos honrando. Sé que estás con Dios, y un día resucitaremos y nos volveremos a ver. Estoy agradecido por el tiempo que tuvimos y agradezco a Dios que mis hijos te conocieran. Siempre recordaremos los momentos especiales que compartimos, y continuaremos amándote con fuerza.
Dear Dad,
There are so many things I wish I could have told you. Our relationship was complex, filled with both love and fear, and I often found it hard to talk to you openly. Despite everything, I love you deeply.
Life has thrown me many challenges, and I often felt your absence as a father. I was scared of you, yet I know you loved me. Everyone always said I was your favorite, but it was difficult for me to see past the negative memories. I needed you to be there for me—to feel safe hugging you and sharing my life with you.
As I grew older, I learned to value you more as a person and to appreciate the sacrifices you made for our family, even while battling mental illness and physical health issues. I wanted to be there for you but often felt overwhelmed. I focused on making sure you had what you needed—a place to live, food, and support—especially as your days became more difficult.
I remember the many times you called me, and we spoke for hours. I listened to you share your experiences, but as time went on and my own trauma grew more complex, I struggled to continue doing so. I know you were upset when I made the decision to place you in a nursing home, but I did it to avoid conflict and to ensure you were safe, well-fed, and taken care of. I had to set boundaries for my own mental health, even though it broke my heart.
I wished I could have expressed my struggles to you, but I wasn't in a good place myself. Yet, through it all, I thank you for the good heart you and Mom instilled in me. I appreciate the humor you passed down to us and how you always found ways to make us laugh during tough times.
We went through so much, and although there were times I felt I had to defend the family against you, I never stopped loving you. I chose forgiveness every time because I know you went through your own trauma; you yourself were abused and had no way of healing. You didn't even know what was wrong with you, so I understood you and chose to be there for you. I sometimes wonder if I could have sent more letters or called you more often to let you know I was there, but mentally, I just wasn't able to do that. I won't beat myself up over it because I know you wouldn't want that for me, yet a part of me feels guilty.
But I love you, and I know you are resting, happy, and with God. You're not hurting anymore, and you're not lonely, and you never will be again. I will miss you, and I hope that when I go to heaven, I'll be able to see you, recognize you, and enjoy our time together as my dad. I believe God has wonderful things in store for us.
I love you forever, Dad. I am so glad I was there in your final moments, holding your hand and singing to you. I tried to hydrate you because my mind didn't want to admit that you were saying goodbye. I hugged you deeply, kissed you, and held your hand, wanting you to feel all the love I've always had for you, even if I couldn't express it before. I told you we were all okay and that it was alright to let go. I prayed for God to take you, knowing I was there with you so you wouldn't be alone.
But then you left me, Dad. The moment I walked out, thinking I would at least get to kiss and hug you one more time, you couldn't hold on anymore. You considered my feelings and left as soon as I walked out of the room with my sister. Thank you for loving us and caring for us the best you could, even in death.
You will always be in my heart. I know I was one of your toughest critics, but I loved you so much more than any criticism could convey. I always wanted to see you do well because life threw some tough challenges your way.
I know you're not here anymore on earth, and saying goodbye is really hard for me. Your body is here, but you are not. As the days go by, it will be a challenge, but I will never stop talking to you, looking up, and recognizing that you are in a better place. I have a perfect Father in Jesus, who will always be there for me, and you taught me that.
With all my heart, Your daughter, Karen
Están en mis oraciónes. Descansa con Dios, Tío. ❤️
Sending my deepest sympathy, prayers and condolences to the entire family. May God comfort and strengthen you during this difficult time and days ahead. God Bless🙏🏽❤️
With deepest condolences to you and family.
Primos, Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time .
Primos,
During this difficult time of loss, you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Zenaida
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.