Jose A. Rivera

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of the patriarch of our family, Jose A. Rivera, fondly known as Toñin, who departed from this world on the 31st of August, 2023. Born on February 5th, 1944, in Ponce, Puerto Rico, he was a beacon of resilience, whose journey led him from Puerto Rico to Massachusetts, where he made Springfield his home. His life was a testament to the words of Helen Keller: "Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved."

Toñin was a carpenter by trade but a selfless provider at heart. He was a dedicated and humble soul who found great pleasure in the simplest of things. He may not have had an education, but he was the kind of man who could build you a house in a heartbeat, a testament to his resilience and tenacity. Toñin's unique sense of humor taught us not to cry for him, as he'd say, "los muertos no lloran." His thoughtful nature always reminded us to make friends because you never know who will be there when you need them most, recounting the time he was stranded on the highway and the late Freddy Sierra pulled over to help him.

An avid gardener and cook, Toñin's love for his family was boundless. His greatest wish was to gather his family in his house in Puerto Rico, cooking a home-made meal, and basking in the love of family. As his granddaughter, I am honored to carry his legacy of tough love, humility, and joy. He is survived by his loving family: his daughters, Madeline, Gloria, and Evelyn; his son, Mikey; his sons-in-law Orville and Julio; his daughter-in-law Yolanda; his grandchildren David, Sofia, Gloriann, Yesenia, Adrian, Jocelyn, Kaisha, Anthony, Eddie, Vicky, Kiarra, and Karrina; and his great-grandchildren David, Isaac, Kairo, Bryson, Storm, Aniyah, Destiny, Liani, Johnniel, and Zuriel. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Dominga, his parents, Seberiano and Gloria, and his son, Jose Jr.

We invite all who knew and loved Toñin to share their memories and upload photos to his memorial page. Join us in celebrating his life on Friday, the 15th of September, 2023, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, at Restoration City Church, located at 30 Bowdoin Street Street, Springfield, Massachusetts, followed by his burial at Oak Grove Cemetery, 426 Bay Street, Springfield, MA. As we honor Toñin's life, let us remember his words and live by them, for in doing so, we keep his spirit alive.