Obituary of Roberto Rivera

Roberto Rivera, 59, of East Main Street, Amsterdam NY, passed away on Saturday, February 11th, 2017 with his loving family by his side. Born on March 4th, 1957 in Manhattan NY, he was the son of the late Eva Martinez and Amado Rivera. Roberto worked various jobs but his true passion resided with contracting. He was self-employed and had a diverse knowledge and extensive experience within the field. Roberto relocated to the area with his family in November of 2006. He was a very sociable, outgoing, and charismatic person. It wasn't long before he became well known, admired, and respected within his community. Roberto was a mentor to many and often filled the role as a mediator to those close to him. He believed in fairness and always doing the right thing. He loved to dance and spend time around his family and close friends. On his free time he could be found building various things to keep his grandkids and the neighborhood kids entertained. He was an avid fan of Scarface and all the Cheech and Chong movies. Roberto was a strong advocate for the legalization of Marijuana for patients who could medicinally benefit from it. He was an incredible individual who will be deeply missed by many. Roberto is survived by his longtime companion Katrina Ney; his former companion and mother to his children, Debbie Valentine; his daughters, Hidania Eve Valentine, Evita S. Valentine, Beatriz Valentine, Debbie Valentine, Aida D.Roman, and Bella Ney; his sons, Ismael Valentine, Roberto J.Rivera Jr., and Jovan Valentine; his 28 grandchildren, including an unborn baby boy that he sadly did not get meet who is expected in April 2017; and his 2 great grandchildren. Many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive. A Funeral Service for Roberto will take place on Thursday, February 16th, 2017 at 12pm at Betz, Rossi, & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Avenue, Amsterdam. Family and friends are invited to attend calling hours from 11:00 AM to 12:00 Noon prior to the service at the funeral home. Interment will immediately follow and will take place at Fairview Cemetery, Upper Steadwell Avenue, Amsterdam. Those wishing to express their condolences to the family may do so by signing our online memorial at www.brbsfuneral.com.