Obituary of Ruben Rivera, Sr.

On Wednesday, April 27th, 2022, Ruben Rivera Sr., a loving husband and father of three children, passed away in Trenton, NJ, at the age of 70 years old. Ruben was born on October 10th,1951 to Carlos Rivera and Juana Gonzalez in Utuado, Puerto Rico. Ruben obtained his GED in 2005 and strived to continue learning through various trainings and workshops. Ruben was an employee of the Trenton Board of Education for 40 years and took pride in his final role as a Transportation Dispatcher. On December 9th, 1978, Donna met Ruben Rivera Sr. at the Trenton Train Station and was happily wed, subsequently being blessed with two children, Theresa Marie Rivera Cruz and Ruben Rivera Jr., of which were joined by his daughter, Marisol Rivera Cuevas, a child from a previous marriage. A passionate Jehovah's Witness, Ruben was baptized on October 3rd,1981 and remained a pious member until his passing. Ruben was the patriarch of the Rivera family. He was loved and adored by his children and his grandchildren. He was “G-Pop” and “Pop-Pop” to all his grandkids. Ruben was preceded in death by his wife, Donna Rivera, his daughter, Theresa Marie Rivera Cruz, his parents, Carlos Rivera and Juana Gonzalez, and two brothers, Carlos Rivera and Manuel Gonzalez. He is survived by his daughter, Marisol Rivera Cuevas, his son, Ruben River Jr.; sisters, Marianna Robles, Pura Lydia Marty, Amada Cruz; brothers, Nelson Rivera, Enrique “Henry” Gonzalez, Reinaldo “Mudo” Rivera: and grandchildren: Ciera Jasmine Cuevas, Ruben Elias Rivera, Xiomara Elena Rivera, Isabel Roxanna Cuevas, Makayla Christine Rivera, Marlea Sophia Mae Jester — of whom all had loved Ruben, G-pop, deeply. A viewing will be held on Thursday, May 5th, 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM and May 6th, 2022, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at D'Errico Funeral Chapel on 30 Yarvdville-Allentown Road, Yardville, NJ 08620. The family requests that all flowers and notes for the service are preemptively sent to D'Errico Funeral Chapel to the address listed above. Burial will be on May 6th, 2022 at 1:00 PM at Colonial Memorial Park, 3039 S Broad Street, Hamilton Township, NJ 08610. Please note: due to the Coronavirus, social distancing will be strictly enforced with masks required.