Benny "Bear" Rivera Obituary (2018)

Our beloved Benny "Bear" Rivera, age 59, resident of East Austin, was called to our Heavenly Father on Tuesday, October 30, 2018. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ricardo and Mary Rivera. Bear is survived by his loving wife, Irma; his children, Benny Rivera, Jr., April Rivera and her husband, Jose Rios, Monica Rivera, Troy Rivera and his Goddaughter, Jazmine Figueroa Orr and her husband, Cody; his siblings, Ophelia Ramirez and her husband, Joe, Janie Guerrero and her husband, Lee, Connie Rivera-Olson and her husband, David, Christine Schmidt and her husband, Larry, Gloria Avila, and Richard Rivera, Jr., 11 grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, other loving family and friends. The family would like to express their gratitude for DaVita Dialysis for their excellent care, as well as Cap Metro for their care in providing transportation. Pallbearers will be Jose Rios, David Hernandez, Tony Aguilar, Billy Sifuentes,Jose Rios, Jr., and Jason Guerrero. Honored Pallbearers will be Nathaniel Escalante, Abraham, Joe, Jasmine Flores, Christopher Rios Visitation will begin at 5:00 p.m., Thursday, November 1, 2018 with Recitation of Holy Rosary beginning at 7:00 p.m., Mission Funeral Home - East Side, 1615 E. Cesar Chavez St., Austin, Texas. Scripture Service will take place at 11:00 a.m. the following morning, Friday, November 2, 2018, Mission Funeral Home - East Side, 1615 E. Cesar Chavez St., Austin, Texas. Interment will follow at Assumption Cemetery. Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free, I'm following the path God laid for me. I took his hand when I heard his call, I turned my back and left it all. I could not stay another day, To laugh, to love, to work, to play. Tasks left undone must stay that way, I've found that peace at the close of the day. If my parting has left a void, Then fill it with remembered joy. A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss, Ah yes, these things I too will miss. Be not burdened with times of sorrow, I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow. My Life's been full, I savoured much, Good friends, good times, a loved one's touch, Perhaps my time seemed all too brief, Don't lengthen it now with undue grief. Lift up your heart and share with me, God wanted me now, He set me free.