Obituary of Rafael Rivera

Rafael Rivera passed away on 4/17/23 at the age of 76. 

He was born in Humacao, Puerto Rico to his parents, Bautista Rivera and Carmen Rodriguez. He was a proud Air Force retiree who served 24 years including 2 tours in Vietnam. Following his Air Force retirement, Rafael served as a social worker for the state of Arizona, helping many people. Rafael enjoyed working with his hands and spent his time working on many projects around his home. He was a friend to many and would always lend a hand to those who asked. Recently, Rafael was enjoying his life traveling and living his life to the fullest. He had a good sense of humor and would never turn down an invite to a party with good friends and good food.  
 

He was predeceased by his father, Bautista Rivera, his mother, Carmen Rodriguez, his brothers, Candido, Fernando, Eladio Sr., Victor, and Miguel, his sisters Ana Hilda and Luz Elena, and late wife Neva Rivera.
 

He is survived by his wife, Norma Graciela Gomez Gonzalez, his former wife Carmen Fragoso, his children, Rosalina Rivera, Rafael Rivera, Jr., Tamara Rivera, Myra Steech, Wayne Rivera and Shandy Rivera, his brother, Victor Delgado, 6 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild.