Manuel Rivera

Don Manuel- an extraordinary man who acted like an ordinary one.

Manuel Rivera, 95, of East Brunswick, passed away peacefully on May 14, 2020 at his residence.

He was born in Yanque, Arequipa, Peru.  Before moving to East Brunswick, he resided in Perth Amboy for few years.

There wasn’t a pretentious bone in his body. He lived in deep gratitude for the blessed life he lived and for the opportunities afforded to him.
He was larger than life. He was strong in body, in spirit, and in commitment.
He was a member of the Peruvian Navy and loved telling stories of the time spent on World War II warships and submarines off the coast of Callao.  
After emigrating from Peru to the United States, he lived in Perth Amboy during the first wave of Peruvian migration. He would recount, in detail, the time he spent meeting and befriending members of Perth Amboy’s early Polish and the Puerto Rican community. He worked in local factories until he found a long-lasting career at the Senior Meals Program at the Middlesex County Department of Aging. His superiors and colleagues share that his name is still mentioned by the staff he worked with today.
And he will be remembered as a kind, caring, and dedicated person who made a difference in many people’s lives.
 
Those who knew him, knew of his humble nature. However, he took great pride in his family and living the American Dream. He delighted in simple pleasures such as having an ice cream cone, just for the taste of a savory cone. He also loved to travel and did so extensively with his wife and children. He loved short and long road-trips as well as trips abroad but most of all, he loved to travel back to Arequipa, Peru.  Especially to enjoy the local cuisine, his "cuy chactao" and "picarones," were among his favorites.

He loved music, dancing, and celebrations. His favorite music was of course, from Arequipa. He loved Los Errantes, Los Davalos, and Carnaval Arequipeño. At parties, he made sure everyone danced and had a good time.
He also loved his pet dogs and turtles. At one point, he had 8 turtles in a backyard and hand fed them daily. To him, turtles, were a symbol of good health and longevity.
He was a man of his word, punctual and disciplined, and hated letting anyone down.
He was a natural social worker and made friends very easily. He loved getting to know people on a deeper level. He enjoyed hearing about personal stories of migration to the United States. He later realized that we all have a common human experience of struggle, heartache, sacrifice, hard work, and resiliency.
He had a talent for engaging others with empathy and charm. As a good friend, no one ever cried alone in front of him. He taught us the value of vulnerability and that a good laugh was just as beneficial for the soul like a good cry.
He had many talents. But above all, being a devoted father was the talent he chose to cultivate. All of those who survive him; his beloved wife, his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, are so lucky and blessed that they had him for so long. Nothing made him happier than to be surrounded by family and children.  For him, quality time demanded quantity time.
The day has finally come that you, Don Manuel, must travel separately from those who love you and who you loved so fiercely. The laughter you gave us, and yes, even the tears, will bring us warmth and strength. The void you leave us will be filled with fond loving memories. Memories of you will warm our hearts, and we will speak of you often.
We will forever miss and love you, Don Manuel. And till we meet again, may flights of angels sing you to your rest.

Manuel was predeceased by his parents, Salvador Rivera and Esmeregilda Caceres.

He is survived by his wife, Eva Rivera; his 3 children, Henry, Katty and Elizabeth; his grandchildren; Henry, Noelia, Katherine, Alan, and Geraldine. His great-grandchildren; Stephanie, Gianella, Desteny, Gabriel, Valeria. He is also survived by daughter, grandchildren, and great-grandchild by marriage; Doris, Janet, Jose, Ashley, and Valentina. And his brothers Dario and Salvador Rivera and many extended relatives.

Private funeral arrangements are under the direction of Ana Maria Zevallos/Skrocki, Home for Funerals, 467 State Street, Perth Amboy, NJ

Burial will take place in Alpine Cemetery.

A memorial mass will be held in Mr. Rivera's honor, at a later date.

Un Hasta Siempre

Partiste a la eternidad en un atardecer de la primavera donde el tierno verdor se fusionaba con el color del verano. Dejaste a tus seres queridos sumidos en la congoja de dolor pensando que tu fortaleza inquebrantable pudiera desafiar a la parca que a todos nos espera. Pero a lo largo de tu vida nos dejaste un legado de muchas cualidades y virtudes. Como ser cumplido y fiel a tu palabra. Fuiste trabajador, disciplinado y honesto con tus supervisores; prueba de ello, recibiste cada año diplomas reconociendo tu buena labor. Tierno y lleno de empatía, nunca dejaste a nadie llorar solo. Amabas a los niños, y más si eran traviesos porque te veías en ellos. Te encantaba la familia, reunida, platicar de los años que todo pasado fue mejor. Fuiste amante de gustos sencillos. Planeabas tus viajes repentinos y conocer nuevos lugares, maximizando el tiempo para conocer su gente, costumbres a fondo y disfrutar de lo nuevo.  Te encantaba la buena cocina, sobretodo de tu tierra añorada, Arequipa. Como tus platos favoritos para cada día de la semana, el infaltable mote de habas, cuy chactado, rocoto relleno, pastel de papa, complementado con tu vaso de chicha y anís najar. Como buen ciudadano inmigrante, diste la mano y tu tiempo, y orientaste a los inmigrantes recién llegados sin pedir nada a cambio. Te gustaba escuchar las historias personales de la travesía a este país. Todos los que te conocieron podían contar contigo. En tus momentos de descanso, eras amante de la música y versos de Los Davalos, los huyanos de Los Errantes, y por supuesto, la pampeña y Carnaval Arequipeño, con alma, vida y corazón de characato Arequipeño.   

Nos dejaste un vacío, pero lleno de muchos recuerdos de tu devoción, momentos de alegría compartidos, experiencias que quedaron plasmados en el tiempo. Tú vivirás en cada recuerdo y en la sonrisa de tus hijos, nietos y bisnietos. Tu espíritu y legado continuará viviendo a través de tus buenas obras. Te agradecemos infinitamente por haberte tenido con nosotros. Jamás te olvidaremos y te recordamos con mucho amor y aprecio. Que descanses en paz, querido Don Manuel.

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