Eladio Rivera, Sr.

In Loving Memory of
Eladio Rivera, Sr.
1945 - 2022


Cpl. Eladio Rivera, 76, passed away peacefully surrounded by his wife of 57 years, two daughters and son at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Lake Nona Community Living Center on Tuesday, March 1, 2022. Eladio was a decorated veteran who served in the Army's 196th and 23rd Infantry Divisions during the Vietnam War. He was awarded: a Purple Heart, Army Commendation, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, Bronze Star Medal Service, Vietnam Service, and Army Commendation ribbons. In the early 70's he also served in the Army National Guard and was honorably discharged. Later in life he volunteered over eight years as a Veterans Service Officer and local VFW Commander in Coral Gables, FL. He was dedicated to serving Disabled American Veterans organization, American Legion and Honor Guard Team.

Eladio was born in Pasto Viejo, Humacao, Puerto Rico to Carmen and Bautista Rivera. When he was just 23, Eladio volunteered and joined the Army and completed basic training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina and AIT at Fort Benning, Georgia.

After serving in Vietnam, Eladio returned to his family in Brooklyn, New York. In 1972, they relocated to Homestead, Florida where he trained and began his career as a Heavy Equipment Operator. Eladio mastered his craft, was highly skilled and initially sought after for excavation of countless inground pools, however, spent the majority of his career working on many and now widely recognized development projects and infrastructure between Key West and West Palm Beach. He was also a successful independent contractor and while he had a diverse knowledge of all heavy construction equipment; he loved the backhoe, bull dozer and particularly, his favorite, the tower crane. He passed on his knowledge and trained a few individuals that successfully pursued the same career path.

After Eladio retired, Miami-Dade County continued to be his home until 2006 when he and his wife relocated to Clermont, Florida to be near their two youngest grandchildren. Eladio had a passion for his family and was an unfailing and devoted husband and father. He enjoyed beach outings, cooking, gardening and home projects. When he was not working, he looked forward to fishing and tinkering in the garage which included car maintenance/repairs and wood projects.

He is survived by his wife Hilda Rivera, their children Marisol Rivera, Iliana Suarez, Eladio Rivera Jr. (wife Lina Rivera), grandchildren E.J. Rivera (wife Lauren Rivera), Brenedy M. Rivera, Noah J. Rivera, Isaiah E. Rivera, his great-granddaughter Mia A. Rivera, younger brothers Rafael Rivera and Victor "Papo" Delgado (wife Luz), sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, and numerous nieces and nephews -- all who admired, respected and/or loved him for his generous guidance, sense of humor and love.

The Rivera Family has the deepest gratitude for the dedicated staff in the Spring Hill and Sunrise units at Lake Nona CLC who provided exceptional care, especially during the two years of visitation restrictions due to the pandemic. The family welcomes donations in Eladio's memory to be made to: Disabled American Veterans or the Fisher House at the Lake Nona Veterans Administration.


GONE FISHIN' Poem by Delmar Pepper

I've finished life's chores assigned to me,
So put me on a boat headed out to sea.
Please send along my fishing pole
For I've been invited to the fishin' hole.

Where every day is a day to fish,
To fill your heart with every wish.
Don't worry, or feel sad for me,
I'm fishin' with the Master of the sea.

We will miss each other for awhile,
But you will come and bring your smile.
That won't be long you will see,
Till we're together you and me.

To all of those that think of me,
Be happy as I go out to sea.
If others wonder why I'm missin'
Just tell 'em I've gone fishin'