Rafael Mario Rivera

RAFAEL MARIO RIVERA-ORTIZ, 82, passed away peacefully in his sleep on March 25th in Orlando, FL. Rafael was born October 22, 1928 in Aibonito, Puerto Rico, to the late Rafael and Filomena Rivera and was one of six children. Rafael retired from the U.S. Army as a Master Sergeant in 1980 after serving 30 years. A veteran of the Korean Conflict, Vietnam, and military operations throughout Central and South America, Rafael served with the 9th Infantry Division and the 1st, 5th and 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne). Rafael's military awards include the Bronze Star Medal with V Device (1st Oak Leaf Cluster), Air Medal, Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Gold Star, Combat Infantryman Badge (2nd Award), and Master Parachutist Badge. From 1981 to 1998, Rafael served as an Army Junior Reserved Officer Training Corps (JROTC) Assistant Instructor at Jones High School, Orlando, FL. For his meritorious and exemplary years of service, Rafael was awarded the U.S. Army Commander's Award for Public Service for his contributions towards Jones High School's JROTC program receiving 12 Honor Unit decorations and three Honor Unit with Distinction awards. Rafael served as a Minister of the Eucharistic at Good Shepherd Catholic Church and was a 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus. Rafael was a most loved and devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Rafael is survived by his childhood sweetheart, and loving wife of 60 years, Elsa Margarita Rivera-Berrios; sons Jose, Orlando, Michael, Carlos; daughters, Nereida, Sonia; and, 20 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Viewing will be held on Sunday, March 27 from 4PM to 8PM at Newcomer Funeral Home, 895 Goldenrod Rd. A mass will be held at Good Shepherd Catholic Church, 5900 Oleander Drive, on Monday, March 28 at 10AM. Interment with military honors will follow, at Woodlawn Memorial Park, 400 Woodlawn Cemetery Road, Gotha, Fl. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301 (on-line: www.dav.org).