Miguel Rivas, Jr. Obituary (1954

Springfield - Miguel Rivas, Jr., 66, passed away on Tuesday, October 20th, 2020. Miguel was born in Brooklyn, New York on February 2nd, 1954, to Miguel Rivas and Irene Irizarry. Miguel graduated from Tech High School and obtained his Bachelor's Degree from Kaplan University. Miguel joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1971 and served four years before coming back home to Springfield and getting involved in Jimmy Carter's presidential campaign. In 1981 he became the first Latino to run for a Springfield City Council seat. In 1982 he was appointed as the City's first Puerto Rican Park Commissioner. Miguel went on to serve on the New North Citizens Council Board of Directors as well as the Spanish American Union. He worked for Brightwood Development Corp., for 10 years, the last four as Executive Director. From 1996-2004 he worked for the City's Office of Community Development and Office of Economic Development. He also coached baseball, softball and basketball for various community teams for more than 30 years. Miguel was predeceased by his father and his Stepmother: Rosalia Rivas. Miguel was very much loved by his family. Miguel leaves to cherish his memories his loving wife of 46 yeras, Gloria Rivas, Three Sons: Jose M. Rivas and his wife Kelly Lynn Rivas, Dr. Juan Hernandez and his wife Patricia Jusino-Hernandez and Christopher Rivas, his daughter: Jessica A. Rivas and her fiance, Miguel Hernandez, Two Brothers: Hector Rivas and Johnny Rivas, Six Sisters: Elba Santiago, Elsie Rivas, Milagros Rivas, Nancy Arroyo, Miguelina Rivas and Gladys Martinez, Eleven Grandchildren: Arelela Rivas, Sergio Hernandez, Jose M. Rivas, Jr., Nina Hernandez, Isaiah Hernandez, Isaac Hernandez, Gabriel Hernandez, Miguel Hernandez, Anthony Hernandez, Naiya Hernandez and Anastasia Rivas, Two Great Grandchildren: Riley Hernandez and Royaltii Nunn, and a host of family and friends. Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, October 27th, 2020, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and Wednesday, October 28th, 2020, from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM, at Puerta Del Cielo(r) Funeral Home, 730 State Street, Springfield, Massachusetts. There will be a Mass at 11:00 AM, at Blessed Sacrament Church, 40 Waverly Street, Springfield, MA, followed by his burial at 1:00 PM, at the Massachusetts Veterans' Memorial Cemetery, 1390 Main Street, Agawam, MA. To watch live stream click Here