Obituary of David Rivera
David Rivera, 60, passed away peacefully on January 12, 2019 surrounded by his loving family.
He was born in Amsterdam on November 27, 1958 to Francisco and Felicita (Guzman) Rivera.
A lifelong area resident David attended local schools beginning at East Main St School and Academy Street School, moving on to Theodore Roosevelt Jr. High and graduating from Amsterdam High School in 1977.
After graduating David became employed by Esquire Novelty in Amsterdam manufacturing children’s toys which he would often bring home to play with. He began his career at Liberty Enterprises in 1986, where he devoted his time as a caregiver retiring in 2014 from the Van Dyke Avenue house. David loved music, and spent his free time as DJ Davey D, performing at weddings and special events and even playing at clubs such as On the Shelf and Park 5 in Albany. He enjoyed hosting a Radio Show on WRPI Troy until 2009. He loved caring for his sister’s dog Drew and brother’s cat Zira when his family was away. David also enjoyed traveling; spending time in Puerto Rico, NYC, and California. His favorite show was “The View”.
David was preceded in death by his beloved Father Francisco Rivera in February of 1993.
He is survived by his loving mother Felicita Rivera, brother Frank (Madeline) Rivera of Amsterdam, sister, Eunice (Fernando) Maroto of Amsterdam, and sister, Milagro Rivera (Gilberto Oliveiras) of St. Petersburg FL. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews; Maria DelToro, Angela Oliveiras, and Gilberto Oliveiras all of St. Petersburg FL, Frank Rivera Jr., Astrid Rivera, Francisco Maroto, and Gabriela Maroto all of Amsterdam. David also leaves behind three grand nieces and nephews; David, Veronica, and Sasha Diaz of St. Petersburg FL.
A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on January 18th, 2019 at Historic St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church at 11:15 in the morning with Rev. Jeffrey M. L’Arche M.S. as celebrant., family and friends are invited to gather at Betz Rossi & Bellinger Funeral Home 171 Guy Park Ave, Amsterdam on January 18th at 10:15 in the morning. Interment will take place at St. Michae the Archangel Cemetery following the funeral mass. Calling Hours will be held on Thursday January 17, 2019 at Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home from 4 o’clock to 7 o’clock in the evening. In Lieu of flowers a donation may be made to American Diabetes Association P.O. Box 15829 Arlington, VA 22215. Please visit David’s online memorial at www.brbsfuneral.com
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