Antonio Rivera

Obituary of Antonio RiveraAntonio "Tony" Rivera, 77, of Ocala, passed away February 24, 2013 at Hospice's Estelle House. Born in Corozal, Puerto Rico, he came to this area 13 years ago from Minotola, NJ. He was a US Army Veteran of the Korean War, a retired furnace operator for a glass manufacturer with two years of college and night school, Tony was always learning and loved educating himself every chance he got. He never ran away from a debate about religion and/or politics. He was an avid reader. He loved and helped others especially his family. A member of Blessed Trinity Catholic Church and was also a member of the American Legion. At his former Parish, Our Lady of Victory in Landisville, NJ, he was a member of Santo Nombre, the Hispanic Council and helped prepare children for their First Holy Communion. He loved his vegetable garden, cooking, making wine, being in his "man-cave" making things, dancing (he was a wonderful dancer). He had to be active he couldn't stay still. He loved my his wife and family very much. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Blanca; children, Mirvia Eckert (David) of Indianapolis, IN, Ana Gillies (Clarke) of Land O Lakes, FL, Blanca Irene Rivera of Ocala and Jose Antonio Rivera (Sheryl) of Bradenton, FL; siblings, Maria E. Rivera, Gladys M. Rivera and Luis Rojas all of Puerto Rico and Gloria Sanchez of Massachusetts; grandchildren, Melissa Nieves, Anibal A. Nieves, Dalia Nieves, Antonio Nieves, Rocky Rivera, Joshua G. Eckert, Jeremy A. Eckert, Jessica S. Gillies, Jose . Rivera Jr., Jayne A. Rivera and Nicholas V. Rivera, Nicole K. beetle; 12 great grandchildren.Tony was very much loved by those who knew him.....he will be missed. But, will live on in his loved one's hearts. Visitation will be held at Blessed Trinity Catholic Church 5 SE 17th Street, Ocala on Saturday (March 2nd) from 10-11AM. A Funeral Mass will follow at Blessed Trinity Catholic Church at 11AM. Interment will be at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, FL on Monday (March 4th) at 2:30PM. Arrangements by ROBERTS FUNERAL HOMES, Bruce Chapel East 2739 SE Maricamp Rd., Ocala 352-732-9944.

Antonio Rivera

December 31, 1969 - February 24, 2013