Obituary of Jose Rivera

Jose A. "Tato" Rivera, 85, of Amsterdam, NY, has gone to his eternal rest on Sunday, February 4th, 2018 in the comfort of his own home. Born on July 29th, 1932, in Yauco, Puerto Rico, he was the son of the late Ignacia Guzman and the late Julio Rivera. Tato received his education in Puerto Rico. He had a knack for working with his hands and picked up on auto mechanics at the young age of 12. On November 19th, 1955, Tato married the love of his life Petrolina Suarez. They relocated to Brooklyn, NY before settling with their family in Amsterdam in the 1960's. Tato devoted 15 years as a mechanic for Midas which was formerly located on Rt. 30 in Amsterdam. He went on to take a job with the New York State Thruway in Albany, NY before achieving his retirement and relocating to Clearwater, FL. He returned to the area two years ago. Tato was a communicant of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, and the former St. Michael's Church. Tato was not only a former member but also a past president to the Spanish American Club which was once located on Milton Avenue in Amsterdam. He loved baseball and played recreational soft ball as a pitcher and a coach. Tato enjoyed listening to Spanish Oldies. He liked fishing, boating, bowling, and enjoyed playing horseshoes. He loved playing bingo and especially loved playing dominos with his family. He was a proud grandfather and great-grandfather and loved watching his grandkids grow up. Tato, short for "Ta todo Bien" which translates to "Everything is good." in English, will be remembered most for his optimistic and humorous outlook on life. He was a jokester to the fullest extent possible and could always be seen smiling and making those around him laugh. He treated everyone with kindness, respect, and was a hardworking man of great honor and pride. The legacy he has created will resonate among all who were blessed enough to know him for a lifetime. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered. Tato is survived by his daughter, Ivette (Roberto) Millan; his sons, Jose A., Luis A., William (Diane), Manuel A. (Eilyn) Rivera, all of Florida; his sisters, Maria Rivera of Clearwater, FL, Blanca Gonzales of Amsterdam, NY, and Maria M. Moran of Minnesota; his brothers, Julio Rivera, Carlos Ruiz, Angel Ruiz all of Florida, Irving Rivera of Brooklyn, NY, and Samuel Ruiz of Staten Island; his 9 grandchildren; and his 10 great-grandchildren; his aunt, Antonia Torres and his very special aunt, Maria Farulla. Several loving nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive. Tato is predeceased by his beloved wife Petra; his daughter Sol Maria, and his brothers, Luis and Jorge Rivera. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, February 10th, 2018 at 10am at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, 156 East Main St., Amsterdam, with Rev. Jeffrey L'Arche as Celebrant. Interment will take place in the spring at the convenience of the family and will be held at St. Michael's the Archangel Cemetery, Widow Susan Rd., Amsterdam. Family and friends are invited to attend calling hours from 5pm - 8pm at Betz, Rossi, & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guys Park Avenue, Amsterdam. A Memorial contribution will be accepted but not required. Checks may be sent to 171 Guy Park Ave., Amsterdam, NY 12010 in care of the funeral home. Those wishing to express their condolences to the family may do so by signing our online Memorial at www.brbsfuneral.com.