Obituary of Mario Rivera

MARIO RIVERA of Whitehouse Station, NJ, died, Wednesday, October 14, 2009, peacefully at home with his family at his side. Born on Sept. 25, 1949 in San Sebastian, Puerto Rico, his family moved to NJ in 1954 and over the years Mario would continue to revisit his beloved birthplace, Puerto Rico. Mario had entered the United States Army in 1969 and served his country before being honorably discharged in 1971. He graduated with a Masters Degree from Bank St. College in NYC. He retired from his position as an investigator for the Office of the Public Defender in 2002. Prior to working for the State of New Jersey in Essex, Somerset and Middlesex counties, he had been employed by both the New York City Board of Education and the Perth Amboy Board of Education where he taught Special Education. Mr. Rivera is survived by Genoveva Rivera, beloved, caring and devoted wife of 38 years, his loving son, Andres, his brothers, Juan and Edwin, sister-in-law, Blanca Solivan and her husband, Pedro, brother-in-law, Rufino Soto and Barbara Farinich, the Verta Family of Whitehouse Station, nieces and nephews and his many friends he so deeply cared for. His bright smile, loving heart and deep compassion for those he loved and for anyone in need, will be sorely missed. He was predeceased by his parents, Rogelio and Julia (Soto) Rivera and his sister, Olga Stephanik. The family wishes to convey their sincere appreciation to the employees of Hunterdon Hospice Inc., and the caregivers who have given so generously of their time and efforts to assist the family.