WILFRED RIVERA

Wilfred (Will) Rivera was born in Yauco, Puerto Rico on October 20, 1948, to Cristóbal and Luz María Rivera. His Mother passed away at his age of 4 and Will was able to come to Cleveland when he was 11, speaking no English. 2 years later he was an honor student. Growing up he wrestled and learned French, always working hard while attending South High school and graduating in 1968.

He met Lee in 1969 at Red Barn in Cleveland where they worked together. Will honorably and proudly served in the United States Air Force in 1970 and was sent to Korea where he became a Staff Sgt and was a Military Police Officer. He was an accomplished singer and songwriter who touched many, known for his voice resembling that of Neil Young when he sang. He established benefits with his music for a little girl in Korea with a terminal illness who needed treatment, and, was able to raise money for her to get it done. Will was honorably discharged in 1974. Lee waited for him, and he knew he wanted to start a life with her. Will and Lee got married on May 24, 1975, at Holy Name Church in Cleveland. They have been married for 44 years and blessed to share 50 years together. He went to Lake Erie college and earned his MBA in 1987. He achieved his dream of building a log home in 1987 in Mantua Twp.

Will and Leona (Soukup) had 3 children, Kristen (Karl), Ericka (Houman)and Brian, and 3 grandchildren, Austin, Jasmine and Mia. The family of 5 have always supported each other and was based on love, that was one thing he said. "Our family is the type to always make sure we tell each other I love you, even if we're just walking down the hall to another room." He was so proud.

Will's accomplishments were the following:

Professor in Human Relations part-time at Lorain Community College; Contract Administrator and a Personnel Specialist with the Department of Defense (DFAS) in Cleveland; Regional contract administrator for RTA where he retired in 2010. Will was a devoted member of St. Ambrose Catholic church in Garrettsville. He will be remembered for being motivational, caring, and a loving man of God that always brightened up a room with his smile and positive attitude.

Will always put Lee first and was a true example of God's love. He was always there to help anyone that needed it and worked hard to support his family. He enjoyed doing little things to put a smile on my Lee's face even when he started having health complications.

He was most proud of his family, friends, his country, his dog Kaya, the Cleveland Indians, his professional accomplishments, and, being outdoors. Music was his passion and he enjoyed playing in his band, Will Rivera and the Guild Brothers, with his best friend Ken. No matter what he enjoyed most, Will was always most content with Lee by his side. There was nothing he loved more and made him more complete.

His siblings include Awilda Maymi (Arbues), Carlos Feliciano, Sally Garcia, and Adalina Ruiz.

He didn't give up until his body did on April 17, 2020, and passed away from complications of Dementia after staying so strong for so long. He was surrounded by his loving family at home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to St. Ambrose Church 10692 Freedom St. Garrettsville Ohio 44231 or The Portage County APL https://www.portageapl.org/how-you-can-help/donate-online/ . Due to the pandemic, a private family burial will be held at the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Rittman, OH. A memorial service will be held for all at a later date.

Will Rivera has claimed his crown in Heaven.

Come let me love you, come love me again.