Jose Rivera

Jose "Pepito" Rivera Diaz, 88, passed away peacefully on September 24, 2024, after many years of battling Alzheimer's Disease. Pepito was a beloved and devoted husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, godfather, uncle, and friend. His gentle warmth, laughter, kindness, and heart of gold will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Jose is survived by his equally devoted wife of over 60 years, Cruz Maria "Crucita", and their daughters, Doragnes Rivera (Alan) Bradshaw and Zenaida Ojeda; two daughters, Charisse (Angel) Hernandez and Yasmin Sierra; and 9 grandchildren (Leslie, Barbaralee, Candice, Brendaly, Sean, Monica, Alexis, Ryan and Evan).

Born in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, to Pedro Rivera and Benigna Diaz, Jose was one of 11 siblings, spending his early childhood in the suburbs of Puerto Rico, followed by a brief time in New York, then moving to Orlando with hopes and dreams of a better future for his family.

Throughout his life, Jose was a skilled craftsman who enjoyed designing and building unique and intricate things, from jewelry making to carpentry to master chef, he took immense pride in the finished product. This translated into an entrepreneurial mindset, which resulted in a prosperous small-business career as a hair salon owner for over 30 years. Jose also maintained a successful career as a carpenter in the Orange County Parks & Recreation Department, building parks around town. He went onto retire after 20 years of dedicated service to the county.

Pepito's home life was built on a foundation of love. His greatest joy was his family and while family was always first, he was a selfless man of great faith and commitment to the Lord, dedicating over 45 years of service to others through his Church, including his passion for the musical choir, youth ministry, and every member of the parish.

Jose's life was a testament to love, dedication, and hard work. He is leaving a legacy of strong values of respect, compassion, and service above all else, and through his family who have gone on to successful careers in public service industries such as healthcare, higher education, military service, and beyond.

While there is a giant void left in our hearts, we know he will live on in those that loved him more than life itself. Donations can be made in his memory to the Senior Resource Alliance, Central Florida's Area Agency on Aging, which enables aging seniors find the resources they need at one of the most delicate times of their lives. https://www.seniorresourcealliance.org/donation-2/